CFL vs. T5 experience.

So Iv been pre growing for the outdoor season, started with CFL's 26w 6 bulbs. So I ended up needing more light for another section to space the plants out, I heard T5's were good for vegging so i went and got 2 duel bulb T5 lights. Its been about 2 weeks since that point, And i have to say if I could do it again I would stick with all CFL's. If anyone is thinking about choosing, the plant growth is allot slower under the T5 lights. Im not happy with the results under the T5's at all. I have the lights 3" from the tops of the plants with no burning and have zero issues with heat, those are the only pro's I see to T5's. Keep in mind my plants are only 10" tall max, and the growth is slow.

Left is under CFL, Right is under T5

Huh, I veg with a 4 bulb t5 and love it. were you using veg bulbs? 6500k?

Actually that may be a factor as well I didn't take into account, I just used the bulbs that it came with.

I feel you. I've used both and I like CFLs. They are so much less expensive and you are much more free to run whatever amount of wattage you want and in whatever combination of spectrum. Not to mention you end up with a life time supply of house lighting.

With everything included I can run from 23-368w of CFL for $40. $4.50 per light fixture, $0.25-1/bulb, $1.50/Y splitter = $25 for 368w of bulbs and fixtures.

I'm a cheap ass but $25 beats $200 any day. And you can't control the amount of wattage from the T5 units, nor use their bulbs around the house

Outdoorfresh: T-5's aren't going to be the answer for everyone, but there are a lot of variables to be considered in your argument.
First, I found a two tubes T-5 fixture to be pretty useless. It casts such a narrow beam it can't even illuminate a 10" b y 20" starter tray efficiently. What in the center rows grows up straight and the outside rows grow scraggly trying to get to the light. T-5's have to completely cover your grow. They don't spread the light like other types of lights and you have to have your plants directly underneath it.
I have two fixtures, four tubes wide, made by two different manufacturers and they both recommend 6" to a foot of clearance over the tops of your plants for maximum growth.
Other variables that have to be considered are: the strain you're trying to cultivate, the light timing schedule you're running and the nutes you're using. With all things considered I don't think you can point your finger at the T-5's and blame only them without some justification. Too many of us are using them and having very good luck. Sorry, but I hope that helps. HSA

outdoorfresh said:

So Iv been pre growing for the outdoor season, started with CFL's 26w 6 bulbs. So I ended up needing more light for another section to space the plants out, I heard T5's were good for vegging so i went and got 2 duel bulb T5 lights. Its been about 2 weeks since that point, And i have to say if I could do it again I would stick with all CFL's. If anyone is thinking about choosing, the plant growth is allot slower under the T5 lights. Im not happy with the results under the T5's at all. I have the lights 3" from the tops of the plants with no burning and have zero issues with heat, those are the only pro's I see to T5's. Keep in mind my plants are only 10" tall max, and the growth is slow.

Left is under CFL, Right is under T5
View attachment 2139119

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the T5s arent gonna pull some extra power out of no where.
You have over 150w of CFLs, and only 58w of T5. No wonder theres a different. Youve got 4000 lumens of t5 going against 10200 of the CFLs.

T5s are good for several plants over a a given space. the light is distributed much more than a CFL

HSA said:

they both recommend 6" to a foot of clearance over the tops of your plants for maximum growth.

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This will help you get a slightly bigger footprint, nice suggestion

So you guys have a idea of my cabinet. its 19" deep x 36" wide.
Top half = 6 - 26w CFL's
Bottom half = 2 - duel bulb T5's

I was thinking about putting a 3rd T5 duel bulb fixture in the bottom section to even out the growth but kinda dont want to spend the money if it doesnt end up being same output.

outdoorfresh said:

So Iv been pre growing for the outdoor season, started with CFL's 26w 6 bulbs. So I ended up needing more light for another section to space the plants out, I heard T5's were good for vegging so i went and got 2 duel bulb T5 lights. Its been about 2 weeks since that point, And i have to say if I could do it again I would stick with all CFL's. If anyone is thinking about choosing, the plant growth is allot slower under the T5 lights. Im not happy with the results under the T5's at all. I have the lights 3" from the tops of the plants with no burning and have zero issues with heat, those are the only pro's I see to T5's. Keep in mind my plants are only 10" tall max, and the growth is slow.

Left is under CFL, Right is under T5
View attachment 2139119

Click to expand...

if you didnt get good results under t5 somethings wrong check out what im doing under a t5

Your also using more watts of CFL's than you are T5's. Those are 2 ft T5's right? so that around 24w so 48w vs 156w CFL

Nearly a 3rd of T5's vs CFL watts

they are 36" lights. Yes i can see that I am using more watts in cfls. maybe Ill add a 3rd light and see if it improves the growth.
also I just checked the bulbs they are 3000k so thats another thing holding back the T5 growth. Im still learning with the T5's.

theres your problem 36" t5s arent t5ho are they?

Im not sure they just say T5 on the box, and 3700 lumens per bulb.

im not sure why you arent haveing good results may not be enough t5, may be the straing

Yah i think I will add another duel bulb fixture and also pick up some 6500k bulbs, since it has 3000k right now. This wont be until next time but Ill have to be happy with what it does this time, until i can get them outside.

wouldnt hurt if you could handle the heat

3000k bulbs for veg and not 6500k. This will slow down growth tremendously.

o okay so I have the correct bulbs in the T5's right now. Ill add the third T5 fixture and hope it improves.

this is a very weighted question, if you use both 100% properly t5 would have the advantage. cfl has the space advantage with T5s you need much more space. theres also t5 HO which spank regular T5s when used properly. Then you have the led without led T5s. i could go on....

yea you could go par and throw some actnics in there but they will burn plants that are under 2 weeks only experienced this already

I veg under a 4ft 4bulb t5ho with awsome results. The nodes are so tight. I have my first batch vegged undee t5 2 weeks into flowering now and there like little 3ft tall bushes. I just ordered a sunblaze 4ft 8bulb with 50/50 red/blue bulbs to grow some green o matic auto seeds I have in my unused veg tent space.