So I've been allowing you guys to influence my opinion and am willing to try a set of HO T5s. I'm only going to buy one setup initially because I'm worried about their heat and whether or not I'll be able to dissipate it effectively enough for Highlanders.
I am already using some 98W reef keepers Power compacts shaped like a 3ft long U which some people say are basically like a T5 bent in half and these buggers get very warm when used in an angled reflector 30*C is not uncommon at soil level on the succulents they hang over even though their shelf has a breeze from an air input fan. I don't want my HL chamber getting this hot, I prefer to have the plants 25*C or slightly less with the lights on. However, I am using the PCs over the succulents naked and with the HL chamber the T5s will be behind glass since there will be automated rainmaker misters running inside the chamber and I don't wanna soak a >$200 fixture and see just how waterproof it really is...
Anyway, I'm curious what size setup I should get for a display vivarium 48" L x 36" T and 24" W. The light will have to reach about 24-30" down to soil level. Hydrofarm sells German reflector ballast fixtures with 2, 4, 6 and 8 tubes. I'm basically trying to settle between a 4 or 6 tube setup there is not more than a $20 price difference between the two units but will 6 tubes be too much for Neps and the lower light orchids or would a 4 tube fixture be better esp cos of the heat issues? I want a few Helis in there but they will be mounted/planted higher up in the display and be closer to the lights anyway.
Any of you T5ers have both a 4 and 6 tube fixture that you can talk about comparisons between? Av8tor, others?
I am already using some 98W reef keepers Power compacts shaped like a 3ft long U which some people say are basically like a T5 bent in half and these buggers get very warm when used in an angled reflector 30*C is not uncommon at soil level on the succulents they hang over even though their shelf has a breeze from an air input fan. I don't want my HL chamber getting this hot, I prefer to have the plants 25*C or slightly less with the lights on. However, I am using the PCs over the succulents naked and with the HL chamber the T5s will be behind glass since there will be automated rainmaker misters running inside the chamber and I don't wanna soak a >$200 fixture and see just how waterproof it really is...
Anyway, I'm curious what size setup I should get for a display vivarium 48" L x 36" T and 24" W. The light will have to reach about 24-30" down to soil level. Hydrofarm sells German reflector ballast fixtures with 2, 4, 6 and 8 tubes. I'm basically trying to settle between a 4 or 6 tube setup there is not more than a $20 price difference between the two units but will 6 tubes be too much for Neps and the lower light orchids or would a 4 tube fixture be better esp cos of the heat issues? I want a few Helis in there but they will be mounted/planted higher up in the display and be closer to the lights anyway.
Any of you T5ers have both a 4 and 6 tube fixture that you can talk about comparisons between? Av8tor, others?