My understanding of fluorescent lighting grows is that t5ho should be used (high output). T8 and t12 shouldn't be used. Also HO puts out more light and VHO (some claim otherwise).

Can anyone confirm or dispute this?

The type of blulbs you get are important. You want to closely simulate MH and HPS bulbs in terms of wavelength. HPS runs at 2200K. Daylight MH at 5500K. Many many ppl go with all 6500K blue lights (fluorescent) throughout germ/trans/veg, coupled with 2700K warm light to promote flowering.

All blue for germination/transplant and vegging. Red/blue mix for flowering.

I personally want to use 6000K light, as 6500K is too close to the violet end of the spectrum (where UV does nothing for your grow), with 2200K for flower as 2700K is too close to the yellow.

Fixtures (t5ho 42) can be had for under $100.

Google the Gieseman Aquaflora T5 HO Lamp - 48" x 2 54w each for a total of 10,000lumens per light x 3 lights (one above, one along the both sides of grow) seems to be within -=my-= range for flowering.

AquaticLife - T5 HO Lamp - 6000K - 48 in. - 54W x 2 each of 3 fixtures seems great for germ/trans/veg.

When they medicalize in my state, I'll let you know. All I can do is read and talk to my buds in CA.

Man I miss socal.


Good luck with your grow.