Blooming with T5 Fluorescents vs HID (HPS)

[Baldio]

Recently I saw some pics of a grow done completely with T5's and I have to say I was amazed! I normally use a 600w HPS for blooming but I am considering giving the T5's a try. While I do not scoff at quantity and size my biggest concern is quality of the Herb. I am planning on using 2, 2 lamp-4' HO fixtures, rated at 10,000 lumens total. Does anyone have info to share concerning their experiences with T5's and Blooming?

 

[ibTheMan]

use your 600, for sure will be better. i seen ah 32 bulb t-5 bud and it wasnt that good.
if you where go'n to use t-5 u need at least ah 8 bulber 40000+ lums, which is 450w.

 

[Baldio]

Thanks for the info ibTM!

 

[Melvan]

For sure, you'll get better results with your 600. The T5s are great if you have a space you can't control the heat, but to flower you need to alternate the bulbs, one blue, one red, in the fixture.

I have 2 2' 4 bulb T5s I use as side lighting in my room to supplement a 400hps, but I would never bloom using just the T5.

 

[Baldio]

Hi Melvan! Thanks for the info...I just completed reading the "entire" thread "I am Melvan" & needless to say I found it very interesting as well as informative. Your results speak for themselves & I am going to use my T5's as side lighting along with my 600w HPS. Should I use all Reds since they will be side lighting? I have plenty of both spectrum. I think U R gonna love the 600w when you hang it and can't wait to see how it does for you. Our set-ups R virtually the same as I will be using Foxfarm Nutrients as well. The biggest diff is I will B using a DWC Hydro system. I am going to keep up with your "Grow" on the other thread & will post more there so I can keep this one on topic. Thanks again!

 

[Melvan]

On the T5s use as is for veg, change out to alternating red/blue for flower. I extend the life of my bulbs by having 2 more of each than I need and changing them out in a rotating schedule.

Except for a bump in the road now and then, like my current nursery issues, I'm pretty consistent on my grow, been at it for awhile.

 

[Baldio]

Sounds like a plan to me..Thanks Melvan! Sorry to hear about your current situation. Hopefully you will be able to get some cuts of the strains you lost from some friends like you were saying in the other thread. I'm sure all will go well as I can see the glow of your "Good Karma" shining off my laptop...Heheh. I will post some pics when I get everything ready to go.

 

[Melvan]

Sounds like a plan to me..Thanks Melvan! Sorry to hear about your current situation. Hopefully you will be able to get some cuts of the strains you lost from some friends like you were saying in the other thread. I'm sure all will go well as I can see the glow of your "Good Karma" shining off my laptop...Heheh. I will post some pics when I get everything ready to go.

I've already got 30 cuts rooting, and I still am working on having the mothers recover under the 400. Thanks for the good vibes.