? About This Cheap T-5

Does anybody know the dimensions on this cheap T-5? I got the link from someone else here at RIU(thanks, forgot your name!). I was wondering if it's 2x54w, or if it's a lesser wattage? If so you could buy(pretty much) an 8 bulb system for $200? Far cheaper than an 8 tube set. And more versatile.

http://www.hydroponicz.net/t5-4ft-6400k-kit-with-reflector-complete-p-214.html

actually. you can get the same quality floro at walmart for about 10.00 for the ballast and 5.00 for the bulbs. only thing is they dont list em on there site.. just gotta go to the store and look in the lghting dept.

ah lame. Thanks guys. I didn't want to spend $300 on a 6 bulb set up but I guess it's worth the money.

jnuggs said:

ah lame. Thanks guys. I didn't want to spend $300 on a 6 bulb set up but I guess it's worth the money.

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I doubt its worth the money really.. 300.00 goes a long way if you shop thriftly. walmart has some floro balasts/bulbs that are cheap and you could prolly get a 6 bulb rig for less that 100.00. If your not interested in them being "high output" that is.. But if its soley used for vegging, I honestly doubt that it will make much diff at all.

I was going to use the 6 bulb, and a 4 bulb Pioneer VIII for a 36" lighting canopy for veg. I guess that's not necessary? I just figured T5 HO were a lot better than my lame T12 shoplights.

hey, its totally up to you.. The HO's do output more lumens, but the price diff needs to be considered.. If money isnt an issue ( commercial grow etc ) and every little bit of yield does,then I would get the best of the best.. But if ur like me and just growing a few plants for myself so as not to have to purchase BS weed locally then I would try to save some cash. IMHO, the flowering lights is whats the most important.. Not the veg.

Peace

Here is a 2' compact t-5 fixture: http://htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=51907

I had two of these and then combined them into one fixture... 4-55w compact bulbs under one hood. I couldn't even buy the parts to do it cheaper than the whole fixture.

They also have a pretty cheap 4' t-5

justatoker said:

hey, its totally up to you.. The HO's do output more lumens, but the price diff needs to be considered.. If money isnt an issue ( commercial grow etc ) and every little bit of yield does,then I would get the best of the best.. But if ur like me and just growing a few plants for myself so as not to have to purchase BS weed locally then I would try to save some cash. IMHO, the flowering lights is whats the most important.. Not the veg.

Peace

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i agree 100%. i use a bank of 6- 4' t-12's for veg and they work just fine. that single fixture for 50 bucks is way too much money. you can get a 8-bulb HO fixture for just over 300, and it will reign supreme.

I was mostly looking at the T5's due to the higher lumens and the sleeker design. I have a cheap 2 bulb 4' shoplight that is 11" wide. That can't produce near as much as a 4 bulb 4' T5 that's 10" wide. I don't have a bunch of money to blow! If I did I would have bought a bunch of 8 bulb units. My op is for my consumption and a few family members. I/we don't want to buy it and support whatever those guys spend their money on. I think the one from HTG is a good deal at $130
http://htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=49346

Thank you all for your help! Now I just can't decide on going 3x600w HPS, or 2x1Kw HPS? Vert or Flat? LST or SOG? hmmm. All this will be in a DIY bad*ss cabinet. There will be clone, veg, and flower.

i have been doin lots of research the past few months on this site seeing how im new to growing. i have to say the best results for yield is a verticle scrog. vert is the best way to go, i have some of my shit setup vert and its growing nice. as for hps go with wut ever suites your room best. I still have mixed fealing for both them. and as for t5s i seen some very nice grows with t5s. even flowering but i wouldnt flower with them. Definently keep it in mind for veggie i know when i have enough money i will be upgrading to T5s to test them out.