Adding led to go with my t5

Can anyone recommend any led lights to go with my t5/cfls . would prefer to get multiple small LEDs vs one big one .

I use these Cree LED lightbulbs. Takes some work setting up the sockets/mounting/aiming goodies. But, spreading the light around helps more than a single point/source of light. IMO.

The PAR38 spot/flood is a step up from the lightbulbs (18w instead of 9.5w). You don't have to hang as many if you're working with a larger space. (I assume you're in a smaller space.).

They're relatively efficient. You could make low-powered COBs for more efficiency. But, I've done well at 21w/sq ft. I would aim for 30 in flower.

So 30w /sq ft + my 60w /sq ft of t5 should be good ? Or should I go with 60w sq ft of each

t5ho is optimally 40, but 50 is the point of diminishing return (i've read). I would reduce the t5 and distribute those watts as sidelight using the bulbs. Get something like 40w/sq ft combined.

How tall are the plants you grow?

3-4 ft 1/4 of the t5s are side lights but I plan on moving to a bigger space soon..

mrrelax12 said:

3-4 ft 1/4 of the t5s are side lights but I plan on moving to a bigger space soon..

Click to expand...

I like the bulbs, but for taller plants, larger sq ft, it's not too manageable mounting/aiming, etc. You could replace some CFLs and see how you like them before getting too deeply into it.

What is your goal? Are you trying to reduce electricity cost? Heat? Why are you considering LED instead of more T5HO? Or, putting CMH on top, using the existing T5HO as sidelight?

For the average inexpensive LED lights you see on eBay and Amazon, that last option is more cost effective.

Reduce heat and also experiment with LEDs

mrrelax12 said:

Reduce heat and also experiment with LEDs

Click to expand...

Area-51 has a modular system which might fit your needs (for distributed light, not a monolithic fixture, although they can be connected to create one). 90w per light. That's not as tedious as my 18w lightbubs. You could use those on top, and your T5HO as sidelight. Use the 18w lightbulbs to fill in sidelight as necessary.

The A51 lights are spec'ed at 26w/sq ft. The Cree bulbs are around 35, although I find distributing light seems to create an efficiency and 30 seems reasonable. As mentioned before, your T5HO is supposed to be optimal at 40 (diminishing returns at past 50). So, you'd have to weigh percentages of each to figure out the w/sq ft you're targeting.

If you have DIY skills you could make your own COB lights, including low-power for close, distributed lighting (sidelighting too). I haven't made a COB but others could point you in the right direction.

COB sounds interesting I'll look into it . thanks for the help

Bonjour
What is the penetration of T5?
Cause you will need to find cob who will have about the same to be able to place the light at the same level!
CU