Light meter + tinted windows?

[PhalPal]

I am finally getting serious about growing my Phals, and have added mini cyms to my patio. I recently purchased a light meter (LX1330B) and seem to be getting inconsistent readings. Outdoors with my cyms I get numbers that I would expect, but inside with my phals I get very low readings - like 50-60 footcandles. (southern facing window) This cannot be correct since I have 2 6X8 foot windows in my dining room where my plants live. Living in Southern California, we have tinted windows that are like sunglasses and protect my home interior from fading. Does anyone else have a problem with such windows?? Is this the problem or am I using the meter incorrectly? By the way - the instructions are worthless! Thanks in advance!

[mayres]

My guess is that 50-60 foot candles is correct with the type windows you have - they are fairly typical good indoor lighting numbers - obviously not enough light for any orchids - not even low light orchids. Numbers in my office are even lower - typical indoor lighting might be as low as 20-30 footcandles.