Lighting T5 lighting question

[DrOttogrow]

Does anyone know how far or wide the range of light is from a t5 light? I'm trying to find out how far/close I should put my new fixture so I can get the widest range possible. It's an 8 light 2ft t5 light fixture. I know I can have them pretty dang close but I want to know how far back I can set them while still casting a usable range of light?.... I hope this makes sense

 

[namvet25]

T5 lighting drops off a lot as soon as you get passed the edges of the light.I would try and keep your plants no more than 6 inches out from the lights edge for best results.

 

[Heavily Medicated]

I concur with Nammy, I grow with T5 and once you get just a few inches outside the edge of the light cabinet you lose most useable light.

 

[A-Train]

I grow with t5 also and I try to lst as much as needed to maintain an even canopy then treat the hood the same as my cfl... I put that baby about an inch or two away from the top and watch closely that it doesnt grow into the light as long as there not touching your good

 

[Rebel]

I also grow with T5s and I keep mine under the light but I have 4 footers... so I get a lot of lateral coverage as it is... I concur with a train. You can get an inch or two above them or raise em up a few more inches once they get bigger and still have good penetration. Sometimes I raise it up like 6 inches or so into week 3-4 to encourage a bit of stretch if they don't do it themselves as they will stay short if I don't lol I like em big!