Compact Fluorescent Lamps vs Fluorescent Tubes

Whats the difference? I have been looking at CFL plug-in pin style lamps, but just found that fluorescent tubes create more lumens for the wattage. Are the tubes worse for some reason because they arent "compact" fluorescents?

Uvalax said:

Whats the difference? I have been looking at CFL plug-in pin style lamps, but just found that fluorescent tubes create more lumens for the wattage. Are the tubes worse for some reason because they arent "compact" fluorescents?

Click to expand...

Not at all, I wouldn't be surprised if the 2ft T5 HO strips I use now produce twice as much usable light as the same wattage CFL's they replaced.

t5's and t8's over t12's anyday!!!!

if you could get four t8 tubes- do that over cfl's any day.

These http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=51907

Hey, what's wrong with both. I used a combination, more light never hurt. T5 on top + CFL supplemental side lighting would def. make some dense buds top to bottom. ESP. with florescent lighting, because lumens dissipate earlier than more powerful HID lighting

A lot of reef tank people seem to use 55w PL cfls, like the light in the link I posted, for 24" deep tanks.

t5's and t8's over t12's anyday!!!!

Click to expand...

Whats wrong with T12s?
I get nice plants using t12s for veggin. Of course I have HIDs for flowering....

MrBlanco said:

A lot of reef tank people seem to use 55w PL cfls, like the light in the link I posted, for 24" deep tanks.

Click to expand...

I was lookin at some of these I think (the link doesnt work for me), but didnt want to buy a ballast a lamp holder socket wiring etc, so looked into plug into the wall type fluorescent lamps. Gonna try and find some t8's I guess.

t8s are probaby best when considering cost, ease to get and efficiency. my grocery store even has the warm daylight ones in stock always.