Which is better to use for the veg cycle? Tube fluorescents or CFLs? Grow space is 2ftx4ft with 4-6 plants.

I prefer tube for the first 1 or 2 leaf sets and then I put them under 42 watt CFLs...works every time!

Is there anything behind your method besides personal taste? Like power efficiency?

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Compactness. You can fit 8 42w CFL's into the same space as 1-2 48" T5 Tubes.

They're about the same in efficiency, heat and lumen output.

ok well consider your options

tubes = more coverage( for same wattage) can get closer due to heat distribution over a greater area , and would fit nicly in your area.

compact = more intense heat. but more intense light ( more wattage in same space) may be alittle harder to rig.

but basicly there the same thing....

the main thing i would consider is how long are you going to keep them under these lights.... if your only gonna keep em there till there a few inches tall... then i would go with the tubes. because it should provide enough light for small plants and it will have alot less heat and will be esier to rig up... if your going to grow them to 1-2 ft under those lights , then i would go with the compact... that way you can get more light power( to handle bigger 1-2 ft plants) and you can start with a few Cfls and add as your plants get bigger( down side is more time needed to rig this together)

Tubes run alot cooler than cfls and I find that I can fit more plants under a tube than under a bunch of cfls. Also if your plant grows up and touches the tube it wont get burned like a cfl will do.

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The most modern T5 tubes have multiple phosphur layers. That way one tube puts out various spectrums of light. For this reason alone some reseach labs and commercial growers are moving to T5 setups. But, they are pricey.

I think I'm going to go with the compacts, then, based on the more "intense light" theory. Not to mention it'll be a bit cheaper for me in the short term. Thanks for the help.

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