Problem using Ballast - T5 or LED then?

Hey guys,

This site has helped me through a lot of issues. Thanks to all!

My problem is this. I don't want to use a ballast. While I understand the power they bring, they cost too much to run, you can only use so many per circuit and you have to replace the bulbs every few runs. It just reeks of inefficiency.

Honestly I Want to use LEDs or Induction, but those forms of lighting are hard to get a hold of and aren't at their peak yet. so my question is this:

Can one do an entire grow with T5 or CFL? Will it vastly affect the growth compared to the more proper lighting?

I've picked EVERYTHING else up I need, and my babies are still little: barely have a few leaves sprouting. So far I have one T5 2' long that puts out 3200 lumen and another Heating Lamp to bring the temp up (Cold weather outside even in summer).


Thanks!

To answer your question, yes it's possible. The quality of the product will greatly depend on how much lighting you use. T5's and CFL's are less efficient watt for watt compared to HID's, so you'll need more in terms of wattage to achieve the same results.

I've been pretty impressed with the LED's that stra8outtaWeed uses (http://boards.cannabis.com/grow-log/...grow-show.html) Give him a shout on Skype or messenger and I'm sure he'll be happy to explain more and tell you how to get a unit.

Happy growing :jointsmile:

Cool thanks.

I figured I'm gonna use the CFL Y-adapter trick for a while until I can afford some LEDs. I have this, so it really helps:
GrowLab GL80L Grow Room - 2'7" x 4'11" x 6'7"

Thanks.

I have just started here..I am about to begin a %100 T5 VHO Grow from beginning to end. So I shall see how good it does...lol:stoned:

Cool. Do a grow log so we can watch. :)

thanks bigtopps :thumbsup:

ok...i have grown with all of the above....cfl/t5 just not gonna cut it if you want some production....as bigtopps says "T5's and CFL's are less efficient watt for watt".... to me it is a waste of money and time not getting the proper lighting whether it be LED or HID....in veg a good LED will blow all lighting sources away and in flower it takes some skill and having the right spectrum to flower with LED :jointsmile: