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
steeltownstoner Reviewed by steeltownstoner on . 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 Rating: 5