T5 question

Im pretty sure i read somewhere that the high output t5s take a special ballast. But what about the reg t5 bulbs, do they require a special ballast also? Or can i just drop them in a reg floro fixture and they will work fine? Google has failed me on this info and i couldn't find it in the t5 club thread either. Anyone help on the subject would be greatly appreciative, even if its a point in the right direction of where i can find the info. thanks in advance

I googled t5 vs t5ho ballast ... Very interesting reading. You'll find your answers there... First one, ehow gets into detail about the differences in ballasts.

Edit: If by regular fixture, you mean T8/T12 fixture, than no -- they are measured imperial (inches/feet) the T5 is a metric measure bulb.

minnesmoker said:

I googled t5 vs t5ho ballast ... Very interesting reading. You'll find your answers there... First one, ehow gets into detail about the differences in ballasts.

Edit: If by regular fixture, you mean T8/T12 fixture, than no -- they are measured imperial (inches/feet) the T5 is a metric measure bulb.

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oh ok that makes sense. well im guessing since t8s use electronic ballasts the t8 bulbs wont fit in t 12 fixtures either huh

Nope, They will retrofit, and are more efficient than T12s. If you have the T12 outlets (or T8 outlets) go with T8s. A bit more expensive, a world more efficient. If you also have good T5 bulbs, hold onto 'em and get some fixtures when you can.

I have a 4ft 4bulb T5 fixture and its great. The ballast is in the fixture. Minnes right you could not drop a T5 bulb in any other fixture,it can only be use in a T5 ballast/fixture. If you've seen the T5 bulbs they're actually smaller tube bulbs than any fluro tubes I've seen. I'm running T5s in my veg room and will keep everyone posted but so far so good, I would recommend them for veg 100%.

minnesmoker said:

Nope, They will retrofit, and are more efficient than T12s. If you have the T12 outlets (or T8 outlets) go with T8s. A bit more expensive, a world more efficient. If you also have good T5 bulbs, hold onto 'em and get some fixtures when you can.

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alright awesome, i have a ton of t12 fixtures, so ill just get some t8 bulbs for a couple months until i can afford to get a couple 2 bulb 4 footers or a 8 bulb 4 footer t5s. So are the spectrums the same for t8 as for the rest, 6500k for veg, 2700k for bloom?

Dividedsky said:

I have a 4ft 4bulb T5 fixture and its great. The ballast is in the fixture. Minnes right you could not drop a T5 bulb in any other fixture,it can only be use in a T5 ballast/fixture. If you've seen the T5 bulbs they're actually smaller tube bulbs than any fluro tubes I've seen. I'm running T5s in my veg room and will keep everyone posted but so far so good, I would recommend them for veg 100%.

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do you like them for only veg and not bloom? or just havent tried it out yet for bloom?

I have been using only T5 lighting for my veg before throwing them in with my 400w hps and I will continue to use them over other lights. At least for my setup it is optimal.

Darkdrae said:

alright awesome, i have a ton of t12 fixtures, so ill just get some t8 bulbs for a couple months until i can afford to get a couple 2 bulb 4 footers or a 8 bulb 4 footer t5s. So are the spectrums the same for t8 as for the rest, 6500k for veg, 2700k for bloom?

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2700K - 3000K for bloom, 5000K - 6500K for veg. Yep. The T8 will be a 36w. vs. the 40w. but is more efficient, when you get those T5s up and running, you'll be happier (a lot more efficient!)

RCgrowerman said:

I have been using only T5 lighting for my veg before throwing them in with my 400w hps and I will continue to use them over other lights. At least for my setup it is optimal.

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My next upgrade is getting rid of the T12s and going to T5 for side lighting. I won't be moving away from CFL growing for a while though. I'm liking my results. Eventually, I'll grow up and buy a MH/HPS, I'll still supplement with tubes, though.

I'm just running them for veg but will also be keeping my mothers and clones under them. Not sure if when I take cuttings whether I'll put them directly under the t5s or not, it might be a little to much. When they root they'll be under the them for sure. I have friends that have flowered with T5s and have had excellent results. My friend had quantum bad boys and had great results, I have the hydrofarm fixture which works great and is fine with me. Plus when my bulbs go I can throw the quantum bulbs in my fixture. This is my 1st grow but I have some very good knowledge from experienced growers/friends with years of growing under their belt and also a shitload of reading and research on the subject. I'm very excited, I feel this is the beginning of a great adventure. Good luck with your grow man. Peace-Ds

well i went to pick up some t8 bublbs today but it turned out they dont fit in t12 fixtures, the bulb is quite a bit smaller in diameter. I ended up getting some 6500k t12 bulbs, i hope they will do just as well for now