T5 vs. HID

[MaryLane]

Alright, so tons of stuff comparing flourescents with HIDs, but T5s are really a whole lot better than T8s or any of the other flourescent bulbs. I know marine aquarists have been looking at T5s very seriously since they came out, and I can promise you a MJ plant isn't nearly as light hungry as some of the corals they grow. :D I am sure its penetration isn't that of a HID, but I was wondering how the two compared generally. Anyone have any experience with T5 grows?

I was thinking a SCROG grow (4'x2' rectangle) with an 8 fixture T5 set up could be really sweet, since the entire canopy could be kept level and directly under the lights. Also, the lights would completely cover the entire grow area, so no shadows or dim spots.

[stinkyattic]

For vegging, T5 fixtures are exceptional if you have very short, squat plants.
I use them for seedlings.
The SCROG you suggested would be nice too, especially with 2 of those things covering a 4x4 space, but I'd still yank the flouros and slap in a HPS600 for flowering.
That's just me though. :D

[the image reaper]

I grew for many years with only T12s, and really don't think the T5s are that much better, considering the higher prices ... but, even my little 400-watt HPS blows them all out of the water (I was running twelve 48" tubes in last fluoro setup) ... skip the metal halides, too, I just use my sodium throughout the grow ... :smokin:

[psteve]

I don't think T-5's are worth the money.
Yes, they're more efficient, but in my experience they don't make the plants grow faster or better than CFL's or T-8's.
I use CFL's and T-8's in veg, and I use EVERYTHING in flower (HPS, MH, T-8'S and CFL's).

[HighTillIDie]

hids kick major ass... buy one, and count the weight

[MaryLane]

Cool it was just an idea. I think I'll stick with my original idea of 1 600w or 2 400w HPS. The single 600w is cheaper than an 8 bulb, 4' T5 set up anyway.

Thanks!