T5 lighting at a quick look might look just like a flouresent tube set up,but nothing can be further from the truth.You only have to use a t5 to see how the plants grow,my plant [mothers]that is are grown under a 4 tube t5 and they love it no streching.but saying that i do still have a couple of normal strip flouresent tubes has well hanging on chains in the same room.But before getting the t5 i did just use the flour strip lights and the plants still grow just fine.But the t5 will not be beat on luman out put,for such a low intence lighting kit.A t5 is well worth investing in most of them that are sold in hydro shops now days are built with growing in mind so this makes them far more used of been used for long periods of time.They are a good investment get one..............................tyke