T5 vs. HPS vs. ? Experiment

uhavealighter?

Active Member
Because there is alot of arguments between hps and fluorescent lighting for microgrowing I have decided to conduct an experiment to see which one is better. I will compare several different qualities of the plant; look, taste, smell, yield, high, and overall. I am doing three 16.5" x 24" sections in a 2x4 tray. Everything will be controlled except the lighting. I will using a 150w HPS with standard bulb(28000 lumens) at 6" away. The other light will be a 2' 4 bulb(4-2000 lumens @24w ea.) with mixed bulbs at 2" away. What other light should I use for the remainging 1.65" x 24" section help prove the growing communities curiosity? A 125w 2700k cfl? The yield will be in terms of grams per watt and each section will be separated by mylar
 
do you have any pics of your last grows so we know you have some experience behind your results?
I have both and Veg and Flower in the summer with my T5 and Flower with the HPS in winter and never had any problems, love them both equally.
 

uhavealighter?

Active Member
I do have pics of my previous grow but they are all on my buddies phones. I only have 3 years experience growing in closets, but its good enough for this experiment. My favorite closet grow setup is having a ebb & flow tray system w/12-18" plants spaced 6" apart with the 250w HPS light about 6" away. The process is so much quicker and easier and its the one I am doing for this experiment. I have actually changed the experiment to a 250w CMH and a 250w HPS. I have a 4' 8 bulb t5 that i will use for another 2 x 4 tray i have. I got all my stuff from www.ezhydroshop.com: 2-250w switchable ballasts, 2-air cooled reflectors, 2 light hangers, 1 2x4 tray, 1hps bulb, hydroton, full line of nutrifield nutrients, and pandafilm for about $500. Their prices are the lowest for almost every product they have plus its free shipping over $250(well except the hydroton and 2x4 tray since they are huge).
 

cameron666

Well-Known Member
sorry to correct you :) but you said ...150w HPS with standard bulb(28000 lumens). this would be a super bulb if it was real, but i think you got the lumens and average rated life hours mixed up. a 150w Super HPS produces about 17000 lumens :)
 

uhavealighter?

Active Member
Haha yea i was either gonna go with a 150w or 250w hps but i forgot to switch the number. i will be going with the 250w which has 28000 lumens.
 

uhavealighter?

Active Member
I have to wait for the damn 250w Mastercolor CMH bulb by phillips. Its backordered from bulbsusa and they don't know when its will be back in stock. I dont think i want to waste my money on led's. Im really not convinced that they can flower plants very well without an additional source. If you want to yield alot efficiently check out Heath Robinson's vertical stadium. He can grow over 2grams/ watt with that setup(6 pounds in 9 sq.ft.!) Its so awesome. Its gotta be a guiness world record. I don't think I want to clone that many plants at once though.
 

IXOYE

Active Member
I'd love to see LED for the third section too - but CFL vs T5 would be of interest also.
 
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