Make a Simple C-Fern Light Stand
With inexpensive and simple materials you can easily construct a C-Fern light stand.
MATERIALS
PVC Pipe and Connectors
The PVC pipe and fixtures, in a variety of sizes, are readily available in most self-serve home improvement stores.
- 10 feet (1” internal diameter, ID) PVC pipe
- 2 L-shaped PVC connectors (1” ID)
- 2 T-shaped PVC connectors (1” ID)
- 4 PVC endcaps (1” ID)
Tools
- hacksaw
- tape measure
- marker
MARK pipe to correct lengths
* 4 – 6” ‘feet’
* 2 – 24” risers
* 1 – 24” or 48” crossbeam
CUT pipe using a hacksaw
CONSTRUCT light bank
- Push the pipe into connectors
- Adjust feet so they are parallel
- Keep it storable/portable – gluing is not necessary
Now your C-Fern light stand is ready for the lighting fixture of your choice.
When your Light Stand is finished, you’ll need a light source. For C-Fern, use a 2-foot fluorescent fixture (4 – F20 watt cool white bulbs) OR a 4-foot fluorescent fixture (2 – F40 watt cool white bulbs) OR 2 or more dome reflector fixtures with screw-in 25-watt fluorescent bulbs (100-watt equivalent). Grow your C-Fern cultures inside a Culture Dome or C-Fern Growth Pod under continuous light and at a temperature of about 28 C (82 F). Adjust temperature inside the Culture Dome or Growth Pod by varying the distance between it and the lights.
