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hardy  Aroids)" <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL> Aroids)" <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
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From: Bonaventure Magrys <bonaventure at OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Grow Lights
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I am replacing everything with High Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs. One 175 =Watt uses only a little more power than a bank of 4 flourescent 40 Watt t=ubes but covers about twice the area and can, and should be kept further =from the plants. Heat is not really an issue in the basement and/or with =the light distance plus good ventilation. Sure the color is funny, but ma=n have I seen everything, from orchids to seedlings to overwintering tend=er perennials, respond with great vigor and bloom.

Bonaventure

----- Original Message -----
From: Al Wootten <awootten at NRAO.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 1:43 pm
Subject: Re: Grow Lights

> Hi Ken
> You wrote:
> --------
> "when they burn out" isn't really the best answer. The light
> output
> level of fluorescent tubes drops with age. If you're running them
> 12
> hrs/day and you want to maintain decent light levels then you
> should
> probably replace them after about 6-8 months (for standard
> household
> tubes). Fluorescent "grow lights" are supposed to last longer but
> cost
> more. At some level of usage the more expensive lights are more
> cost
> effective but I've never tried to determine where the lines cross.
>
> At the very least they should be replaced when you notice (more)
> flickering and one or both ends begin to darken.
> ----------
>
> Thanks.  I mix the grow lights with standard household warm lights
> in my 2-light
> fixture.  Orchid growth clearly suffers for the Cattleyas and I
> should have
> a four light fixture but it is all I can do just to water them.
> I've thought
> that more heat would just stress them more, given my poor level of
> attention.Of course there are various grow light types.  I use
> whatever Lowe's carries
> at the moment and have replaced the grow tubes every two years,
> when I can
> remember which the second year is.  As you note, usually the darkening
> 'edge of night' is a good memory jog.
>
> Clear skies,
> Al
> +----------------------------------------------------------+
> |Al Wootten, Slacktide, Sturgeon Creek at the Rappahannock |
> |Astronomer (http://www.cv.nrao.edu/~awootten/)            |
> |NoWorkAllPlay homepage  http://members.tripod.com/~astral |
> |Deltaville, Virginia 23043                                |
> +----------------------------------------------------------+
>
>