t5 lights

Hey whats going on every one i was wondering what your opinon was on lights. I have 2 400 watt ballasts one mh one hps and i am trying to cut back on my bills each month. I was wondering if a 4f oot 6 tube lamp system (t5) is as good as my 400 mh for veg? They claim they are equal to a 400 watt mh, is this true????

thanks,
ez2bhappe

Im not sure how it compares to a 400, but it will certainly work well for vegging. Depending on the amount of plants of course.

the quad-bulb T5 will do about the same job as the 400w MH. i just purchased a 4-bulb setup yesterday after asking a few questions myself. the MH will have about 30% more lumens but the T5's have more usable light in the right spectrum and can be used very close to the plant unlike the HID bulbs.

T5's are awesome when room and heat are issues, and they'll work from seed to bud.

thanks every one for the replys, I decided i will get a 4 lamp instead of a 6 lamp system to save energy. Also i dont want to have tobuy 4 more fans cause of the heat from the mh, all around just sounds like a better deal to get one then us the mh anyways. Any one have any suggestions on a good durable light?

Anybody know what T5 4 bulb spectrum to get for mothers? 6500k blue? or 2 6500k blue and 2 3000k red? What about for clones?

I have this light and couldn't be more satisfied.
High Tech Garden Supply
I ordered extra bulbs and when I shift from veg to flower I just change out the bulbs and set the timer.
I wanted to add that these things run so cool you can touch the bulb and it's barely warm, it would be hard to burn your plants. The ballast is located up above the bulbs and reflector.

Go with the 6 tube. Mix half red and half blue. All of the bulbs fit. VV

Blue is better for vegging... but if you want to use it for both get 2 of each I guess.

Of course you can always get more bulbs to suit whatever you are using it for.

i bought seperate lt5,s not in a frame,that way i can move them and use them at will,they also have seperate switches on each ballast so i can turn half off while i run half if the plants are small and young,i can also just use one t5 over clones,but it is about 30 dollars less to buy 6 seperate t5,s then 6 in a built in reflector.you then can buy some cheap 10 dollar aluminum reflectors.

k well if I put both the clone machine and mothers together it would be 4'x2' = 8 sqf. So should I invest in a 52,000 lumens light to give me 6,500 lum/sqf? That would be ideal, no? Or can clones not take that much light? Here's an example 516W Spectra Max Full Spectrum 52000 Lumen 4FT Grow Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics

I have seen these displayed at my hydro shop. The concensus there is its a novelty, not better than th 8 tube t-5 with mixed red and blue bulb. The fixture is 19" wide and of course four feet long. Without the extra heat from the two hid's. Closer to the plants, less heat issues, stop me if you have heard this before. I have one of those over a table I built. The inside dimension are 32 x 48. Wanna see. You will notice, no extra ventilation is necessary, the lights are right on top of the plants. VV

trapper said:

i bought seperate lt5,s not in a frame,that way i can move them and use them at will,they also have seperate switches on each ballast so i can turn half off while i run half if the plants are small and young,i can also just use one t5 over clones,but it is about 30 dollars less to buy 6 seperate t5,s then 6 in a built in reflector.you then can buy some cheap 10 dollar aluminum reflectors.

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Man I would love to do the same. Where can I buy the seperate components? thanks in advance

So ur telling me T5 is better than 1000w HPS Horliex for flowering? Come on VV really? Help me out here. Thanks buddy

cowboy they have them online as well as every hydro shop,they are 40 dollars a piece in canada,thats for the 54 watt 5000 lumen ho 4 footers,they come with a package that contains the mounting brackets,you can then use them any were you like instead of have them in one unit.i bought them one at a time as money became available.there are also aluminum reflectors online but better to make your self.the name of the lights are sunblasters.

martyshoemaker said:

So ur telling me T5 is better than 1000w HPS Horliex for flowering? Come on VV really? Help me out here. Thanks buddy

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Lets compare apples with apples. Two 4't-5 8 tube light uses 880 watts of [ower and will put 40" by 4' of cooler light , less fans less heat issues, deja vue all over again. Please. VV

trapper said:

cowboy they have them online as well as every hydro shop,they are 40 dollars a piece in canada,thats for the 54 watt 5000 lumen ho 4 footers,they come with a package that contains the mounting brackets,you can then use them any were you like instead of have them in one unit.i bought them one at a time as money became available.there are also aluminum reflectors online but better to make your self.the name of the lights are sunblasters.

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Man I appreciate the help, I should be looking closer. I'm going to pick a few up for side lighting.