Beginner Question #2: Lights, reflectors

[wieb]

I just bought an 85 watt full-spectrum CFL (340 watt incadescent equivalent) spiral-type light bulb ($$$$) with a medium base (to fit in standard U.S. light socket). I was going to use it in clamp fixture which has a large 8-inch reflector. This still would have been too shallow for the 11+ inch long bulb, causing the bulb to extend beyond it causing the light to be wasted as it illuminates the walls of the room rather than the orchids. (I am trying to provide lighting, likely temporarily, for three orchids.)

Well, after it arrived today (internet purchase), the portion of the bulb near the base is too wide and hits the reflector preventing it from screwing in all the way . Rats!

I found a metal reflector (aluminum, I think) on the internet to accomodate the 85 watt CFL bulb (12-inch deep reflector) but it is spendy even before they add on the $10 shipping charge.

Anyone else using these 85 watt CFLs in an application like mine? What did you do or where did you find a reflector?

I am especially interested in hearing from "mayres" in Keizer, OR. I think I saw some posts with you mentioning these; and you were also mentioning a lighting store close by to where you live (driving distance for me). What do you suggest I do?

Thanks again for all the help.

[pikevi]

I am sorry to barge in here. I don't know much about lighting. I have two such bulbs with wide base that would not fit into any wall/ceiling/clamp-on sockets as well.

But I don't think standard clamp-on fixtures ( and recessed ceiling fixtures) are equipped to handle more than 40-60W without risks of overheating. Your 8" one may be an exception. Just a word of caution

Again I reiterate that I do not know much of lighting and this post may be uncalled for.

Good luck.

ps: I am interested in these lights too

[digitalgate]

when it dont fit. modify modify.

[Fabolusus]

I have 4- 85 watt cfls. I found large, heavy duty clamp lamps at Lowes that have reflectors wide enough to accommodate the girth at the base of the bulbs. These bulbs work well for me- I bloom all of my phals under them with great results.

[mayres]

Yes, as Fabolusus points out, there are clamp lamps and then there are clamp lamps. There are small units that are very inexpensive (a few dollars) that are made primarily for small wattage incandescent bulbs and then there are units made with ceramic bases that can handle the kind of wattage you are speaking of and way beyond. Reflectors are also similarly larger and more heavy duty. I actually got mine when I needed them for photo floods - another possible source - photography supply outlets. I purchased mine a long time ago way before I got interested in orchids. Have you checked Home Depot and Lowes yet? Yes, the hydroponic stores in town (two of them) also sell reflectors for CFL's - though they usually put even larger units in them. There is a lighting store just a a half mile or so from where I work that had an even larger CFL on display when I was there last - like 150 watt or so - and it was plugged into an inexpensive looking base - but probably would take a reflector more like what you would find at the hydroponic store(s) - certainly don't want to waste all that valuable light. If you continue to not have any luck finding an adequate reflector stay in touch and I'll do some searching around Salem for you. I also work with a few electricians that might have some ideas - I think you can actually purchase screw in extenders for sockets (?), but of course this will not help you keep the light properly directed. mike

[wieb]

I had a smaller clamp light w/ reflector that the bulb actually fit into, but it was so shallow that only the base of the bulb (not the actual light) was in the dome and the spiral light extended beyond it ... all that light was escaping out in all directions, a very small portion hitting the plants. And of course it is very blinding.

Then I bought a bigger clamp light with a deeper, wider dome/reflector -- this is the one I referred to in the initial post -- but the reflector tapered off too quickly near the base and the bulb would not screw in all the way before hitting the reflector.

The standard clamp fixtures at most hardware stores are for relatively high wattage bulbs ... the smaller one goes up to 150 watts; the larger one is 300 watts. Pikevi -- Take the bulbs with you to your hardware store and try to fit them in the clamp lights -- I bet they fit one of the several sizes. But they will stick way out beyond the reflector. I'll probably breakdown and buy the $47 (incl. shipping) one on the internet designed for the 85W bulb; here is the link: 85 or 105 Watt Reflector

I've wrapped aluminum foil around the small clamp light reflector to reflect more of the light, but this is very temporary (because very ugly).

Please keep suggesting. Thanks.

[wieb]

Thanks for replying, Mike. Yes, I've checked at Lowes. Same thing that was at Ace. What is the name of the lighting store in Salem that you speak of? You mentioned in a previous post that you got your T5s through them. I get to Salem periodically.

Any chance, Mike, with a properly directed 85 Watt CFL, that my Cattleya will bloom under it?

[mayres]

Bill -
I got my T5's through Northern Light & Garden in Salem 503-364-4769. They primarily target the hydroponic industry - lots of HID fights and fixtures and higher wattage CFL's than what you purchased. Best prices in town that I've found. LOVE my T5's and VERY good price.
Another hydroponics outlet close to where I work is Indoor Garden Center 503-566-7888 - also sells the same type of general hardware - if you can't find at Northern check here.
I actually got my first "taste" of T5's from an industrial lighting company called American Fluorescents 503-588-9535. This place had the "cadilac" fixtures and the prices to go along with it - to some degree you get what you pay for - but at the time I wasn't ready to pay nearly $500 for a 25 year guaranteed T5 fixture. Also saw some very large CFL's here.
I would say that yes, you can bloom your cattleya under that CFL - the best thing for it however will be to put it outside as soon as the danger of frost is past until mid October - morning exposure - that did the trick for all mine.
Enjoy!
mike

[wieb]

Mike,
Thank you for the store info. I'll stop by them soon.

And I am looking forward to placing them outside for the first time ... but that is months away still. Be assured I will be posting more questions on that as that time gets closer. And I hope to talk more through these posts on some questions I have about T5 ... but I will leave that for another posting.
Thanks.
Wieb -- not Bill ~