T5 v. T8 bulbs, opinions?

[aholgate]

I've never used T5 bulbs, I've always used T8, but I can potentially pick up a few T5 hoods for really cheap. I just wondered whether or not it's worth investing in them, considering T5 bulbs tend to be more expensive. Experienced opinions welcome.

 

[Hoj]

So far the two types of T5 I have tried are very impressive.

 

[aholgate]

Thanks for the response. Any others?

 

[d3s5]

I have two set ups using T5s. One small free range with 4 - 4ft bulbs and another room with 12 - 4 ft bulbs. I love them. They work wonders for grow lights for the plants and they don't use as much electricity.

 

[nightanole]

The T5 style will put out 15% more light than a T8, which puts out 15% more light than a T12, all of the same wattage. What really makes the T5 style worth it is when you get a reflector, they are much more efficient at directing light due to the smaller source. That being said the hoods are expensive for T5 HO models. My cheapo 4 footer cost $120, and $150 + shipping on average. If you are going arcadia HO, i would suggest getting a dual bulb fixure, and add a zoo med ultra sun in the 2nd slot for 4x less than the cost of the arcadia. They are a perfect color match, and this is coming from a guy who used to calibrate displays for a living.

 

[bifidus]

T5 have many advantages just one problem - they are more expensive. However I am slowly replacing my aged T8 fixtures - by several dozens it is quite painfull. But the difference is clearly visible, way more light in cages.

 

[mjhough]

You can convert any t-8 Hood to a t-5 even a t-12 can be converted. Go to a hardware store and ask for assistance.

 

[Venutus1]

T5 have many advantages just one problem - they are more expensive. However I am slowly replacing my aged T8 fixtures - by several dozens it is quite painfull. But the difference is clearly visible, way more light in cages.

one word.
bulk buy.
ok .. thats two.

Cheers.

 

[yeahbuddy661]

Dont know if this is an option for you but I use a 6500k cheap coil bulb from walmart that my plants thrive under. a little over 1100 lumens too.

 

[EvilLost]

@yeahbuddy: for larger setups, tube lights are generally better; they are also often used for UVB bulbs



Regarding T8 v T5....its really just more light output. There is no real difference in terms of the "quality" of light (thats more in your bulb) so really, its up to you...

I personally find T8 to be satisfactory for most simple setups as you don't need the additional power, but for larger (or display) setups, I think T5 is better

 

[yeahbuddy661]

Yeah just saying I use a cheap coil 6500k and a powersun for basking. 2 years going strong!