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!!