Need help deciding on HPS or t5

I am going to upgrade my system soon and I am considering my options.

1. Go with two 432w, 8 lamp, t5 system that puts out 40,000 lumens for each 2 plants.

2. Go with a single t5 8 lamp system for each 2 plants for veg and a 600w hps that puts out 95,000 lumens for each 2 plants during flowering.

I am going to try a rough KBS grow with co2, using 5 gallon buckets in a 15 gallon recirculating uv system.

I am just wondering, I have got some great results (or so I think) using just plain old cfl bulbs from walmart runnning roughly 32,000 lumens for two plants off of these bulbs. I think the reason they work well is that if they are cooled enough you can put them 4-6 inches away from your plant so you get all 32,000 lumens about where as an HPS you have to put higher up because of the heat so you don't get the full usage of the light.

I am basically looking for feedback so I can make a better informed decision. Here are some pics of my current grow, it'll be week 6 of flower come the 27th of January. I am growing a strain called Opium from Paradise Seeds, they are feminised seeds, from four seeds I got two survivors, both female. I took these shortly after I sprayed them with Big Bloom.

definitely use the hps bulbs. they are more energy-efficient, and will use less space and maintenence than a collection of tubes. plus i believe its a better spectrum

(based on knowledge of t8 and t12 bulbs. no idea if applies to t5 as well)

also, assuming that your only growing the same set of plants, you can get either a switchable ballast or conversion bulb and use mh light to veg under with the same socket.


600w may be a bit over the top for only 2 plants though. how long are you planning to veg?

I plan to have a two chamber setup so I can harvest every flower period so I will veg the same time I flower. Maybe a t5 for veg and hps for flower, I know t5 work awesome for vegging short bushy plants.

whats the difference between t5 and t8 (besides size). t5 seems to be 2-3X the cost per bulb.

but hps is great to flower under. you want roughly 60-100w worth per plant if your growing em big i believe. (a 600w will run 6-9 plants)

T5's have 54 watt each bulb.They also have a better light spectrum than hid or hps.

id buy go for the hps option and do at least 4 plants under a 600watt
if you need to get your light close to your plants why not get a 400watt hps in a cool tube