[OGD] Light distances

2007-04-26 Thread Wayne Turville
We are currently finalizing our new lab at the Australian orchid Nursery and 
would like some help with the spacing distance of out fluorescent light tubes

Our steel racks are spaced at 56 cm (About 2 ft for you dinosaurs still on 
Imperial) and we are going to hang dual tube 34 watt standard tubes above the 
flasks

We are using 750ml glass jars that stand about 15cm tall( 6) as these seem to 
be the standard here in Sth East Australia

We understand about the heat from the ballasts and are using grid steel racks 
to disperse the heat.

What we really need some help on is what distance above the flasks should we 
chain hang the lights?

Is it as close as possible? I'm sure it varies between genus e.g. Paphs and 
Cyms but is there a general standard?

Also is there a minimum distance the flasks should be placed above the 
ballasts. We will be using oscillating fans to disperse the heat around.




Wayne Turville
Australian Orchid Nursery

Ph: (03) 5977-3122
Fax: (03) 5977-3350
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web: www.australianorchids.com.au
  www.cymbidium.com.au___
the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD)
orchids@orchidguide.com
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Re: [OGD] Light distances

2007-04-26 Thread Roger, in Bangkok

Hi Wayne--

I would suggest that there are too many variables to properly guesstimate
the distance.  Also, light output is going to be reduced over time because
of the aging of the lamps, so it needs to be monitored periodically.  Light
measurement meters are quite inexpensive these days if you shop around, and
very portable.  Better to research the optimal light levels you will need,
which vary widely from species to species, and then use the meter
case-by-case to adjust your light fixture distance according to the number
of foot-candles of light needed.

I believe that someone had earlier posted a link to such a light table
reference, but I can't seem to locate it at the moment.

I'm quite interested to know more about what you are doing there since we
aren't really too far apart.

Regards/Roger, in Bangkok

On 4/27/07, Wayne Turville [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


 We are currently finalizing our new lab at the Australian orchid Nursery
and would like some help with the spacing distance of out fluorescent light
tubes

Our steel racks are spaced at 56 cm *(About 2 ft for you dinosaurs still
on Imperial*) and we are going to hang dual tube 34 watt standard tubes
above the flasks

We are using 750ml glass jars that stand about 15cm tall( 6) as these
seem to be the standard here in Sth East Australia

We understand about the heat from the ballasts and are using grid steel
racks to disperse the heat.

What we really need some help on is what distance above the flasks should
we chain hang the lights?

Is it as close as possible? I'm sure it varies between genus e.g. Paphs
and Cyms but is there a general standard?

Also is there a minimum distance the flasks should be placed above the
ballasts. We will be using oscillating fans to disperse the heat around.



Wayne Turville
Australian Orchid Nursery

Ph: (03) 5977-3122
Fax: (03) 5977-3350
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web: www.australianorchids.com.au
  www.cymbidium.com.au

___
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orchids@orchidguide.com
http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com