Lighting Whats the differnce in T5, T8 and T12

[jayp]

Ok everyone need help again I was wanting to know what the difference is between T5 T8 and T12 lights and if all three will work to grow with? I found some T8 lights that were labeled plant grow lights and was 6500k and if they will work then I will be going back to purchase this.

So please if you have any info then I would appreciate all comments thanks :check:

 

[sativa_guy]

the number is the diameter of the tube, measured in eighth of an inch.

t5 = 5/8 inch, t12 = 12/8 inch... if i'm not mistaken.

you can grow with all of them, important is the color temperature.

 

[Bgrt]

t5 are the most efficient. ho/vho especially.
if the t8s are bright enough theyll work anyway.

see if they have lumen ratings
watts is power use but lumens are the brightness.

 

[namvet25]

t5 bulbs give out three times the lumens of t8 and t12 bulbs.You have to get t5 bulbs and fixtures from a grow store or the internet.If you can;t afford t5's t8' will work but won't give you the quality plants that the t'5s will.

 

[shumway]

You have to get t5 bulbs and fixtures from a grow store or the internet.

Lots of stores have t5's

All the homedepots etc around my area have them and also good aquarium stores will stock them too as tons of people use them on fish tanks

 

[jayp]

Thanks for the comments everyone appreciate it. @Shumway Lowe's is where I was at and they did have T5 bulbs but not any fixture's. And the T8 that they had said plant grow light and was a 6500k and I think maybe 4000 lumens if I'm not mistaken but could have been less not sure.
If I do get either a T5 or a T8 it would be used with my MH light so it wouldn't be the only light in my grow box.

 

[namvet25]

Yes you can find t5bulbs at home centers but there usually not high output,and if your looking for six or eight bulb fixtures with the high grade German made reflectors good luck.

 

[jayp]

The T5's that they had was the H.O. bulbs but they didn't have any fixtures (reflectors) and all I would be getting (if I do) is a 2 or maybe a 4 bulb Thanks for the help Namvet