T5 Flourscent vs hps/mh

hey everyone,

i've never grown with a t5 flourescent before but was thinking of picking one up. my question is, do u guys think they're better than a 400w hps/mh?? they're rated at 2000lumens per 54w bulb, but do they really put that much light out?? i'm thinking of getting a 4 bulb 4ft setup so it would supposedly put out 20k lumens. what do you guys think?

One 400W HPS puts out 50,000+ lumens.

Yeah, I've seen them in use, but only as side lighting, or for vegging mothers. Like any flourescent, they put out the stated lumens, but for only a short distance. They are good for foliage within a foot or 2, but that's all. The HID will put out more lumens and with greater distance of intensity. The light will reach into the foliage much farther.

HTH

yea but floro's are good for veg when the plants are little.

I have been using T5's for some time now. I use them for Clones and for veg. They work great for both. I would not use them in replace of HPS durring budding. The also work great for side lights, but they do put out some heat, so word of caution when getting to close to the plants.