CompuServe Messages

Grow lamps

    17-Feb-92 00:36:34
Sb: #1205-Grow lamps
Fm: judywhite 72230,1154
To: Rob Eberhardt 76150,3125
I grow orchids under lights myself, and have found four fluorescent cool whites to be fine. Grow lights extend the spectrum available, and while many people swear by them, there's still conflicting data as to whether they're really 10 times better (which is usually about the cost differential) than cool whites. What does seem to make a difference is using the longest tubes you can, for available lights drops off dramatically at both ends of the tubes. Two foot tubes lose almost half their length; four foot tubes lose a good foot. Eight footers (if you have the fixtures) give the best usable light. Avoid putting plants at the ends, and concentrate them in the middle for best results. good luck!