T-5 lights: # of bulbs and specific brands for veg?

Which of these T-5 fixtures would perform better? You can choose more than one.

  • http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sun-Blaze-T5-HO-48-4-ft-8-Lamp-Flourescent-Fixture-WITH-BULBS-badass-120v/30

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • http://growershouse.com/grow-crew-ho-t5-4-8-bulbs-fixture-with-bulbs

    Votes: 2 50.0%

  • http://growershouse.com/quantum-badboy-t5-ho-4-8-bulb-fixture-432w

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • http://growershouse.com/commercial-t5-4ft-8-tube-fixture-w-bulbs

    Votes: 1 25.0%

  • http://growershouse.com/sun-blaze-t5-ho-fluorescent-light-fixture-4-ft-8-lamp

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • http://www.hydrogalaxy.com/lighting/sunleaves-pioneer-viii-grow-8-tube-fluorescent-fixture-spg108/?c

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Total voters
    4
Cowboy Kahlil

Cowboy Kahlil

Well-Known Member
1) Visited local hydro shops yesterday, looking at 8-bulb T-5 lights. First thing I noticed: at all 3 stores I visited, they insisted I only needed 1 light fixture for a 5x5 tent. (typical measurements of a fixture are around 48" x 27" or 28". But I thought i read I should get two of these fixtures. Would someone please clarify this point? (These hydro shop workers speak about their own grow experience, so that just adds to my confusion)

2) THE TWO BRANDS MOST Of these stores offered came from Sunlight Supply. One was Sun Blaze, one was Sun Leaves. each was $204 for an 8 bulb setup. Any feedback on these specific brands?

3) Online, afterward, i ran into more confusion. apparently there's now 12 bulb setups too?

so my other questions:

How many fixtures and how many bulbs-per-fixture do I need for a 5x5 tent?

Online descriptions don't always explain what bulbs are supplied. Do they default to 8 in the blue spectrum ? should I alter this at the outset by buying/installing some other spectrum ones?

I'm guessing switches matter (some have two) and ballasts matter (for performance and longevity) but can't find much to indicate tests have been run to support marketing claims. So I'll post n this thread a few I found online and seek your more experienced views.
 
RM3

RM3

Well-Known Member
Get out of the hydro stores and find Oracle High Bays I got mine in a regular lighting store, the difference is night and day and they are awesome
 
Cowboy Kahlil

Cowboy Kahlil

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I was reading about your GLR lighting schedule.. So much to learn and I appreciate your successful experimentation. How long did it take you to get to this ninja level?
 
RM3

RM3

Well-Known Member
Cowboy Kahlil said:
Yeah, I was reading about your GLR lighting schedule.. So much to learn and I appreciate your successful experimentation. How long did it take you to get to this ninja level?
Click to expand...
I've been growing/gardening for over 40 years, my first ever job (12 years old) was workin at a nursery
 
Cowboy Kahlil

Cowboy Kahlil

Well-Known Member
RM3 said:
I've been growing/gardening for over 40 years, my first ever job (12 years old) was workin at a nursery
Click to expand...

It looks like you have 3 sets of T5 in your grow space, Since I have a horizontal ceiling in my 5x5 tent, do I need 2 8-bulb units for veg?
 
JimmyIndica

JimmyIndica

Well-Known Member
I still use T8,T12 and last I bought was T5 home depot. I just change the tubes every year.6500k Those grow crew from growers house is good deal ,I like how you can mix match color temp!
 
A

Amnesia1234

Member
Cowboy Kahlil said:
1) Visited local hydro shops yesterday, looking at 8-bulb T-5 lights. First thing I noticed: at all 3 stores I visited, they insisted I only needed 1 light fixture for a 5x5 tent. (typical measurements of a fixture are around 48" x 27" or 28". But I thought i read I should get two of these fixtures. Would someone please clarify this point? (These hydro shop workers speak about their own grow experience, so that just adds to my confusion)

2) THE TWO BRANDS MOST Of these stores offered came from Sunlight Supply. One was Sun Blaze, one was Sun Leaves. each was $204 for an 8 bulb setup. Any feedback on these specific brands?

3) Online, afterward, i ran into more confusion. apparently there's now 12 bulb setups too?

so my other questions:

How many fixtures and how many bulbs-per-fixture do I need for a 5x5 tent?

Online descriptions don't always explain what bulbs are supplied. Do they default to 8 in the blue spectrum ? should I alter this at the outset by buying/installing some other spectrum ones?

I'm guessing switches matter (some have two) and ballasts matter (for performance and longevity) but can't find much to indicate tests have been run to support marketing claims. So I'll post n this thread a few I found online and seek your more experienced views.
Click to expand...
General rule of thumb ive seen for t5ho i bulb to cover 4x4 area.You can buy singles to cover rest of canopy, never worked with 12 bulb but that should be plenty.
 
Cowboy Kahlil

Cowboy Kahlil

Well-Known Member
Amnesia1234 said:
General rule of thumb ive seen for t5ho i bulb to cover 4x4 area.You can buy singles to cover rest of canopy, never worked with 12 bulb but that should be plenty.
Click to expand...
I got an 8 bulb and a 4 bulb, so their headprint is about 3x4 for a 5x5 tent. The tent should arrive in less than a week.
 
Cowboy Kahlil

Cowboy Kahlil

Well-Known Member
Just waiting for the seeds to arrive and i get to start my first grow. my thanks to all of you who helped guide me through the equipment buys as well as all the nutes & growing tips.
 
C

Chip Saunders

Member
I use a 6 bulb for approx 30" x 48".... seems to be plenty , I only veg under the t5 for the first few weeks then its off to the MH closet for a few weeks before a visit under the sun in my HPS room .... Personally I think its will help to give them all different light spectrums , color temps etc, But Ive been told you can veg under the t5 right up to flower ... Just not my bag
 
Kind Sir

Kind Sir

Well-Known Member
I am looking at getting a 4foot 8bulb T5HO.

Im trying to not spend morr than about 175$ after bulbs if possible so must be semi cheaper. Was looking at grow crew, durolux is cheap but might be too cheap. Having a little trouble finding good brands/deals.
 
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