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Growing under Lights

How much light over a large terrerium?

19 years ago

Hi~I'm currently building a large terrerium/orchidarium that's 5 feet wide, 3 feet tall, and 2 1/2 feet deep. I am going to use 55W compact flourescents to light the enclosure, and I originally planned to have 8 bulbs (440 watts).

I'm going to mount common orchids/air plants along all the walls of the terrerium. However, I will have normal terrerium plants on the floor. So, I guess I need to have enough light for the floor-dwelling plants without burning the mounted plants.

How many bulbs (or total watts) would you reccomend? Are 8 55w bulbs too much? If so, how many 55w bulbs would you reccomend?

ANY suggustions would be greatly appreciated! I am really confused on this subject. Thanks!!

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Comments (3)

gawdly
19 years ago
See my post in your terrariums thread.

Sam
Cdfortin
Original Author
19 years ago
I saw it and you made the point that I should have bought fewer bulbs at higher wattages. But, I've already bought 8 55 watt end caps/bulbs so its too late. What's my best option with what I have? Any advice would be appreciated!
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Cdfortin
Original Author
19 years ago
Question re-phrase: How many watts (or lumens) do I need over a terrerium/orchidarium that's 5 feet wide, 3 feet tall, and 2 1/2 feet deep (about 38 cubic feet)? Thanks!

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