6 Tube T5 Fluorescent OR 400W Metal Halide, you choose...

If you had to choose between a 6 Tube T5 Fluorescent OR a 400W Metal Halide for the veg cycle, which one would you choose and why? Also, how many plants could each of these support for a full veg cycle? I am currently using the 6 bulb T5 as the heat is a bit of an issue right now, thanks in advance...

It depends on the situation. I would cool tube the mh and see if it gets cooler for you.

Ive used 6 t5's in vegged and got about a half inch of growth per day. Got 10 plants about 2ft tall in 5 weeks. Put one of those oscillating stand up fans right in front of the light bay and that should control the heat. How big is your space? I kept mines about 3in away from the tallest plant and it worked wonders. Thats what i liked most about the t5's you can get them closer to your plants they normally dont run that hot.

Thanks for the feedback gents. My veg area is 5' x 6' and the bloom room will be of equal size. Unfortunately the height is only about 5' 6" so I have to do some air replacement which I have under control for the time being. I am vegging 12 plants in this area and they're loving the 6 T5's right now. I too am gaining about 1/2" per day which is quite acceptable in my book. BUT, will the 6 T5's support 12 plants until they are ready to move to 12/12? I am thinking 600 for the 12/12, plenty of reflection....

Do you have a metal halide already or would you have to go get one? if you already have one or you dont mind and have the $$$ to buy one i'd add it if possible to help the t5s but you should be perfectly fine w/the t5's. is the bloom room the same height? A 600w would be alright, but youll want to cooltube it for sure, dont make the mistake i did and get a duct fan for the cooltube and think its gonna work really great, it will work but they have alot of things that fuck up their cfm. They dont move as much air is advertised, ever really. just spend the extra for a can fan. You want that light as close as you can get it, I can keep my 400w hps about 6-8 inches from the tops now compared to 12-14 inches w/the duct fan instead of a can fan.