T8 or T5 lighting? Which is better ?

[stanky bud]

I have a small cabinet and was thinking about switching from CFLs to flouro tubes to maximize my space. I was at walmart and they had the 24" T8 grow light bulb+fixture and they had the 23" T5 (14w) bulb + fixture that wasn't grow specific but I could get some better bulbs for it. Both cost the same at $10 and I want to get 4 or 5. One says its for growing but does that make it better?? I plan on using these during veg and flower. Heres the website for the company that makes these lights. http://www.lightsofamerica.com/en/Product%20Categories/Under%20Cabinet.aspx

 

[Lord Doobie]

You can't simply switch bulbs....the ballast must match the bulb wattage.
14 watts isn't much to grow with and the color of those is 4200k.
You could try aquarium shops and craig's list for used t5 or t5HO (high output) or try looking at PLL setups. These are mostly online.
Probably cheapest to add a few more CFL's...

 

[greenthumbnewb]

i like the t5

 

[raphaelwilliams]

I believe that the t5 lights put out way more lumens.

 

[magiccannabus]

For that size the T8 is not as good, but in 4 foot lengths the competition is closer. I would strongly recommend a fixture that can handle high output T5 lamps, to make the most of the space. Or check out PL-L lamps, as they are quite the rage lately. If you want to look up something neat, look up the "High Pod", by a user named "inefectualize". He used 55W PL-L lamps for what is nothing short of amazing.

 

[SpasticGramps]

T5 all the way for what you are doing.

 

[TEERCSIdbREEDER]

growbright makes some cheap-effective t5 units. you can find them here i would order mixed spectrum bulbs and keep plant tops no further than 4-6 inches away from bulbs. ***also using Scrog, supercrop, or lst will help in your final yeild and help organize all bud tops to recieve the same amount of light.

 

[stanky bud]

whats the difference between the high output T5s and those?? Heres was the bulbs I was looking at for that T5, I think these might work. http://www.1000bulbs.com/F13T5-Fluorescent/

I was looking at the PLLs and the other lights at HTG and they're too much. I appreciate the suggestions but I'll just stick with my CFLs if its going to cost me that much more.