T-5 vs T-8 Is it really worth it

[theroadwarrior]

I am on a tight budget and I am wondering if I can get T-8s from home depot. They cost about a third of a T-5 system.

I plan on using them for new clones and seedlings. Are T-5's that much better or will the T-8 suffice?

Thanks

 

[NorCalFor20]

if the fluros are just for seedlings and clone starting then they will be just as good as t5

you can use t5 t8 even t12

just get the regualr shop lights from home depot...

if you need a good veg flowerign setup on a budget htgsupply.com has 400w/hood/ballast/bulb for 119.00+ shipping or u can get it alone ballast and hood for 100$

i would get the 119 one that comes with the hps bulb then order a cmh to use for vegging once they are started that way u have that for veg then a hps bulb to flower with.... just a thought....

 

[theroadwarrior]

if the fluros are just for seedlings and clone starting then they will be just as good as t5

you can use t5 t8 even t12

just get the regualr shop lights from home depot...

if you need a good veg flowerign setup on a budget htgsupply.com has 400w/hood/ballast/bulb for 119.00+ shipping or u can get it alone ballast and hood for 100$

i would get the 119 one that comes with the hps bulb then order a cmh to use for vegging once they are started that way u have that for veg then a hps bulb to flower with.... just a thought....

Thanks for the info on the T-5 vs T-8. Yes I intend to use them strictly for new clones and seedlings. Do you know anything about the HTG brand. I know some say they are junk but for the price worth a try. I paid $400 from ecogrow for a 1000 Hydrofarm Powerhouse Convertible and the 400 was not much cheaper. Thanks again.

 

[NorCalFor20]

i have bought 2 of the 400w htgsupply ballasts/hood combo never had 1 problem from either of them....for 1k i like how plantlightinghdroponics.com has the 1k economy system for like 170 with bulb ballast and reflector....

buta nice 1k aircooled system setup cost u 300 minus the fans if you get super sun 2 sun system 10 ballast and a horti bulb

 

[charlesweedmore]

mate almost all floros would give same lumens @ same watt.

only difference of T5 is thinner than regular floros

 

[pineappaloupe]

T5s allow you to cram more lumens into a smaller space. If you need that, then they rock! I veg my ladies to nearly 2ft tall under a 6 bulb and I couldnt ask for anything more.
My t5 is not from a grow light company, it was $250 including shipping and bulbs.

 

[magiccannabus]

T5 is not necessary for veg, or even for flower. Some people produce very good bud with T8 tubes. The exact kind of light you use is not important per se, it's all about just having enough light of the right spectrums in the right places at the right times. Any light that gives you that is enough. I'm vegging with T8 tubes and CFLs and will be flowering entirely with T8 tubes even though I have several HID lights around the house. Fluorescents have some advantages.

 

[swampdank]

only difference of T5 is thinner than regular floros

Which means you can fit more bulbs along the same plane.

Just be sure you are getting what you are after. My T5 bulbs are 54 watts a piece. so 6 bulbs is 324 watts or something like that. under a 2x4 lamp. Make sure you can get close to that. Those 28 watt bulbs are a waste of time IMO