t-5's or cfl's?

[mikeb437]

was thinking about using a 4 bulb 2 ft long t-5 setup and growing a box around that but now im wondering if cfl's are better .. does it matter?

 

[cbooker]

I think for the space usage and temp. control and out put the 5's are the way to go....enhance the small set with flat white paint fursure to get the best light distribution

 

[motherlode]

t5s fo sho

 

[MakinGoo]

T5 it's sumthin about those T5 that the plants love I've gotten killer results with a T5 in veg.. I've also seen some nice grows with only T5..

 

[GanjaGardener]

Here's a good source for t-5 fixtures. Just purchased a pair of 4' x 8 bulb racks for about $230 ea No lamps, (shit...they came w/ them when I ordered mine a month-2 ago) or power cable but it's easy 2 wire- 3 wire nuts. S&H $20 flat. Drop shipped, about a week wait- quick response from service dept to answer question. They have just about every size and configuration avail.

oops here's link->
http://www.warehouse-lighting.com/h...ght-120-volt-mirrored-aluminum-reflector.aspx

 

[altitudefarmer]

T5s all day long. no comparison, really.

 

[mrbong73]

Anyone try T8s? There is a 6 bulb 4' at the depot for $85. Looks like it would do the trick..

Link

 

[GanjaGardener]

T5 it's sumthin about those T5 that the plants love I've gotten killer results with a T5 in veg.. I've also seen some nice grows with only T5..

It's just a theory, but based on years of working w/ color temps and light attributes in a large range of seasonal situations, I think that the diffuse light from the flos emulates the *ideal* spring conditions for germination and gets better results than using MHs alone in veg despite their similar CTs. Diffuse light, in photographic terminology, gives good "wrap". A diffuse light source literally wraps around the object - the closer the source to the object, the more wrap/coverage/penetration. Flo's allow you to get the light in close.

A hard light, ie an MH, on the other hand, has a higher contrast ratio (light:shadow) = hotter hot spots, deeper shadows, less wrap around, more focused, "harder" light, more directed/'focused' heat.

 

[OctoberDee]

I've used cfl's with great results but they're kinda expensive and also had to buy light sockets.. I had 5 plants under ten clf's (5 soft and 5 cool) did great until I switched to flower (400w HPS) but that was about $125 worth of lights and sockets. I don't have much room so that works for me (plus I already bought the stuff). T5 setup is cheaper and better results if you can fit it in them your space. Imma keep using cfl's though! ;)

 

[potberryfin]

You can use the 4 ft or 8ft T5s if you have enough space. But CFLs when placed around the plants will grow some killer buds