First Indoor Grow... HPS vs. T5 floro's

So next week i plan to break ground on my first indoor grow. The space i have to work with is 60" x 24" x 60" or 5' long x 2' wide x 5' high (in actuality, this is a window box on a 3rd floor i chose for access to ventilation and privacy).

I plan to split this space into two equal rooms (2.5' x 2' x 5') and use a identical ebb & flow systems for each room. The veg room will have a total of 4 x 2ft, full spectrum t5's, and flower room would have the same setup only will 3600k lights. The 4 x 2ft banks run $195 before tax.

When i first designed this system, i was aiming for low cost, and easy maintenance, but now that i've fished around at a few local hydro shops i'm noticing i can get a 250w hps light kit (reflector, bulb and ballast) for only $60 more than the 4 bank (roughly $259 before tax).

I know that, bang for buck, the HPS will give me denser bud but i'm still trying to rationalize whether its worth it because i will now have to be concerned with cooling the light = more money i don't have.

What have been YOUR results flowering with T5 floro's? Can i still get dense bud if i don't use a HPS lamp? If not, what are cheap ways for me to cool my HPS?

I need some expert advice!

Here are the links to both products i am debating:

New Wave T5 High Output Fluorescent Grow Light 2ft 4 Lamp

250w HPS Light Kit

IF YOU'RE GOING T5:
Make sure you get the full spectrum if you get this. Hell, I'd spend the extra money and get 4 of each spectrum. But if money is a concern, just get the mixed spectrum and after your first grow, sell some and get $ for another set of 4 mixed spectrum.

IF YOU'RE GOING HPS: First, that site is a rip-off. Here's a better deal...
http://htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47994
If you want to just use HPS the entire grow, I know plenty of folks who've had good results like that. However, if cooling your light is a concern, I'd get this...
Sunlight Solutions Hydroponics Systems <--click products, the 400W is what I'm talking about.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question directly, so how about this? If I were you, and splitting the grow room into 2 different areas, I'd get some CFLs for the veg area, and the 250W HPS from the link I provided (I'd also opt for the Euro or the Cool Tube reflector). If I spent the extra cash on the reflector, I'd also invest in a 6" inline duct fan and a 6"-to-4" reducer, along with some 4" ducting. Hope it all works out and best of luck! -GG84

I have not seen much difference between my T5's and my 1000w hps system. The only difference I've found is the hps may bring them to maturity a week or 2 sooner but I haven't seen any difference in bud size or density. hps runs hotter, even with air cooled hood system. My T5 has 16 of HO bulbs. This was in a 4'X8'X8' room. If heats a big concern the T5's might be a better way to go.

Golden, Killer...

Thanks for the input! I've opted for a 4 x 2ft banks of HO T5's, with full spectrum bulbs and soon to purchase, a set of warm bulbs as well. I definitely think i will invest in a 400w hps in the future, but i think i'll see how this set up goes, then 'grow' from there. :D

Currently drying in my tent right now, but i'll send a link to my coming grow log if anyone is interested.

Cheers.

STS:pimp:

hell yes! keep us posted and best of luck!

So are you gonna end up getting the t5s? I used 4' grow tube lights from hardware stores around here for my grow and grew like 6 good plants but I was wanting an hps/mh to stick in there with it but decided i'm gonna get the 4' 4 bulb t5 then add another next time around cause i'm kinda renting a house and I dont wanna go cutting big holes in his walls so i can run out exhaust :jointsmile: any tips i'd love an hps :cool:

I like to use the Flouros for veg and the HPS for flowering. I used two T12's and the veg had been very fine. My next grow I will use T5's for veg and I am going to use HPS for my flowering that I'll be starting in a few weeks hopefully. Happy growing!

Simmiliar boat so thanks for the post and replys:

First space is 40 inches wide by 6 ft long, 5 ft vertical and I've been using 8 bulb T5 4ft mixed spectrum light. I have mylar all around but with the light so close to plants I don't think I'm getting good light/reflected to the lateral plants. Originally I was going to make due with just this space, but I'm seeing the need to have atleast 2nd space for flowering and then probably third for mothers.

For the second space, simmililar size where it is narrow...I've considered getting two more simmiliar T5 light sets and having them mounted on the walls versus hanging from above-does this make sense?

Then cost wise, initial...might make more sense to get 600w hps for flowering. There's six inch duct work in place as that had been the original lighting plan...might take some effort to upgrade electric line. So I'm torn as to which system would make the most sense