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 Supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation - Division of Undergraduate Education
Development of C-Fern is supported
by the National Science Foundation (NSF-DUE)
Copyright © 1997-2000
Thomas R. Warne and
Leslie G. Hickok.
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C-Fern Web Manual - C-Fern Light Stand

Make a Simple C-Fern Light Stand

With inexpensive and simple materials you can easily construct a C-Fern light stand.

  Simple C-Fern Light Stand

MATERIALS

PVC pipe and connectors

  • 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)
The PVC pipe and fixtures in a variety of sizes are readily available in most self-serve home improvement stores.

TOOLS hacksaw, tape measure, marker

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.

 

 

MARK pipe to correct lengths

  • 4 - 6” ‘feet’
  • 2 - 24” risers
  • 1 - 24” or 48” crossbeam
 
CUT pipe using hacksaw
 

CONSTRUCT light bank

  • Push 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.