T5 HO vs. CFLs?

I went through all the trouble of building a sheetmetal reflector, and rigging up 8 sockets in it only to find that 8 42 watt cfl daylight bulbs will run me close to the cost of buying a new 2 foot, 4 bulb t5ho system. What do you think is better for vegging? Would be nice to grab one of these and then use it for veg then use my hps for flower.

Here is an example of what im talking about http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hydrofarm-flp24-2ft-lamp-t5-fluorescent-grow-light-p-2830.html

The light in your link puts out 8000 lumens, is that per bulb? I doubt it. 8 - 42W CFL's put out 66.667 lumens per watt. x 8 bulbs = 22,176 lumens. So you're getting more with the CFL's But if the hydrofarm light puts out 8000 per bulb then you would have 32,000 lumens.. Not sure if this helps you any, I'm sure either way it will do for vegging.. I'm running CFL's myself : 3 - 42W, 6500K. 3 - 23W, 5000K. and 2 - 13W, 2500K for veg and my 2 Ladies (praying they are, lol 37 days in) are loving it.. It's personal preference IMO.

GL,
Puff.

Cfls were made generally for smaller spaces,lamps and for efficiency vs incandescent lights.Just imagine a florescent lights(tubes) in every household
it just wouldn't work.But i would still used the cfls even if i had the space for the T5 since those in particular will put out more lumen.
The T5 with all 4 bulbs 8000 lumen vs 8 42w bulbs that put out 2800 lumen each.So 22,400 lumen vs 8000 lumen,stick with cfls.

i was actually thinkin of buying a 36'' t5 system, is better for my space and i could find one. I saw some for the aquarium trade. Assuming i went with a 4 bulb fixture, 216 watts so 54 watts per bulb, i would get about 5,000 lumens per bulb so 20,000 total. i still would be looking at an expensive fixture and expensive ass bulbs.. tought decision.. but how do i know im even getting good use of my cfls with a diy reflector.. tough one

heres the lumen guide i used for the t5 bulbs vs their wattage.. just a rough idea http://www.horticulturesource.com/ge-lighting-ge-starcoat-f39how-t5-39w-865-blue-6500k-3-ft-6500k-fluorescent-40-case--p491/

If it reflects it's good enough unless the lights are hanging vertically,cfls produce more light from the sides.
I could put all 8 cfls around 2-4 plants vs the t5 on top

HotShot7414 said:

If it reflects it's good enough unless the lights are hanging vertically,cfls produce more light from the sides.
I could put all 8 cfls around 2-4 plants vs the t5 on top

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i designed my fixture so they will be perfectly horizontal, not vertical. I am aware that they produce more light when placed sideways rather than vertically. thanks

Hot Shot is right.. the more light the plant gets as a whole from all sides is better then from just one angle.

plantz said:

i designed my fixture so they will be perfectly horizontal, not vertical. I am aware that they produce more light when placed sideways rather than vertically. thanks

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Your lights do not produce more when placed horizontal, you're just making it easier for more of the plant to soak it in. If you get 2 of these 90$ flouros you could put one on each side that would be better then just one strip of horizontal light. Even though your making the most of that fixture, the side of the plant that is not facing the light is wasted potential for absorbing the precious light that is conducive to vigorous growth. In the end it's your decision, I recommend you go with CFL's but it's your call..

Gl,
Puff.

plantz said:

i designed my fixture so they will be perfectly horizontal, not vertical. I am aware that they produce more light when placed sideways rather than vertically. thanks

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Well then you should be set,how many plants do you plan on vegging? if it's more that your reflector can maintain then i would suggest the T5 but just cause
of the length.

I have used 10 cfl's in a 2'x2'x2' box to veg in and flower in, they were small plants, I now have a 4ft 4 tube HO T5 and two 4 ft 2 tube HO t5 as side lighting in a 1' 1/4 pvc 6 1/2' tall T5 stand I built, I like using the T5's to veg with, I can grow them alot taller and a lot healthier and more at one time, I have tried to use a MH to veg with, the plants got to big to fast, I don't have that problem with T5's,

kgb424 said:

I have used 10 cfl's in a 2'x2'x2' box to veg in and flower in, they were small plants, I now have a 4ft 4 tube HO T5 and two 4 ft 2 tube HO t5 as side lighting in a 1' 1/4 pvc 6 1/2' tall T5 stand I built, I like using the T5's to veg with, I can grow them alot taller and a lot healthier and more at one time, I have tried to use a MH to veg with, the plants got to big to fast, I don't have that problem with T5's,

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What wattage of MH? i use 400w and my plants stay fairly short but grows a lot horizontally,a hps on the other hand will make them stretchy/leggy.
I used cfls before 24/0 for 6 weeks and the plant was 2ft before flowering so i had to stop that.

i have two of those t5s that i use in veg along with an 8 bulb version and they work great. i will say that the t5 will be much cooler that that many cfls.

I use a 4 x 2' T5 for freshly rooted clones and a 6x4' for veg. I also have a 14 cfl diy monstrosity I used to use. I keep the cfl enclosure in case one of the other lights break. for the short plants I grow, the t5 is great for veg. If I was growing larger plants I would probably hang another t5 against the back wall. I've got a MH too but it's hotter n hell. T5 is king here until flower time.

I like the T5. Much cooler and plants love it.

I've used both. If you have the space, get the t5.

If your in a small, akward space, you'll have to settle for the CFL