T5 vs t8 vs t12

Which is better for the complete life of the plant.

Im currently vegging under T12's and its doign great.

But i want to pick up a new ballast what should it be ?

T5s are definately the best if you can afford them but why bother when you can get a decent HPS for cheap. I spent about 200 between cfls and T8s and I'm switching to a HPS soon.

Are t5 more expensive than t12 ?

and as for the HPS i cant afford , If you look i spent as little as 30$ for all lighting and another 30 for the new lights that i will buy tomorow.

It will add up as your plants get bigger. You can buy a 150 watt hps which conserves space and replaces a bunch of small lights for 70 plus tax. T5s are the most expensive and T8s and T 12 s are about half as much. Check out my grow at two weeks to see my setup.

I'm growing with around 400 watts of fluorescent light right now (t8s + a couple CFLs). Seems to be working well enough for 5 plants, the key is just to get as much light as close as possible to the plants.

Check out the link in my signature for lots of pictures, but I will definitely be adding a 400 watt HPS in addition to the fluorescents next round. $119 at HTGSupply.com, will pay for itself in yield in one grow.

good idea but ive seen a dude grow like 23gr per plant with 4 Fluros (2)T12 and (2)T5 i think it was 42watt each , it think that in a scrog it will do even better.

listen!!! there are "no better" fluorescents out there, bar none!!! they are pretty expensive, so as mentioned, maybe a small hid set-up is in order. you have to think about your particular grow plan, and your environment, and your ability to control it.

Silky Shagsalot said:

listen!!! there are "no better" fluorescents out there, bar none!!! they are pretty expensive, so as mentioned, maybe a small hid set-up is in order. you have to think about your particular grow plan, and your environment, and your ability to control it.

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Where can i get a really cheap HID?

and what do you mean by'' no better fluorescent out there ''? That's the T5 are the best ?

yes, t-5's are the caddilac of tubes, period! check this place out.

http://www.insidesun.com/index.php

Ok , how much more expensive are T5 ballasts compared to T12

And 400w HPS is too hot for my space a 70W or 150W would be good

If I HAVE A SCROG WILL (4) 40watt T12 flower my 3 plants ?

^They'll work okay, just as long as you keep them as close as possible to the tops, and have enough to cover the entire SCROG. Every cola that isn't close to a bulb, won't fill out very well.

zigzag6 said:

If I HAVE A SCROG WILL (4) 40watt T12 flower my 3 plants ?

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That's not an ideal amount of light, I recommend adding CFLs with only 120 watts of t8s.

i will probably add a couple cfl's like 3 or 4 23watts

^Keep in mind that it's impossible to have too much fluoro lighting, so add as much as possible, if you want a nice yield.

i just switched my lights to 12/12 so ill keep you posted ill put a screen soon enough thanks for all

My 4 foot 6 bulb T5 was about $215.00 USD

IMO, the difference between T5's and T8's, 12's or twisty bulbs is worth the money. This is what I use, plants love em. Probably won't find it for less.

http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-4x54W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Advance-p/52203.htm

They have a few different lengths.

im gonna pick up a 70w HPS .. always better than 80w of t12's