Vegging: T5's vs MH

[jon2]

I'm a bit stuck on whether to get a T5 or a 1000w MH for vegging. What I'm wondering is which would be more effective during the vegatative stage?

Pros/Cons on both? thanks.

 

[Hawk]

Seems like those are pretty dissimilar lighting options. How did you arrive at those two options? I imagine the physical dimensions of the grow space (not to mention air handling capabilities) and the goals for the grow would dictate which would be most suitable.

 

[Golden Ray]

I just switched from 2- 1000w MH to 3-4 foot 4 bulb 6500k cool. I like it better because you can get the light in closer for more veg. The MH was really cookin the room even with three fans and a exhaust. I am going to upgrade one of them to a 6 bulb to spread out over the real thick canopy ones. One for lil ones, one for mediums, and one 6 bulb for the ones that are close to going out to flower.

 

[jon2]

Seems like those are pretty dissimilar lighting options. How did you arrive at those two options? I imagine the physical dimensions of the grow space (not to mention air handling capabilities) and the goals for the grow would dictate which would be most suitable.

Good question, I don't know.

I just switched from 2- 1000w MH to 3-4 foot 4 bulb 6500k cool. I like it better because you can get the light in closer for more veg. The MH was really cookin the room even with three fans and a exhaust. I am going to upgrade one of them to a 6 bulb to spread out over the real thick canopy ones. One for lil ones, one for mediums, and one 6 bulb for the ones that are close to going out to flower.

Thanks for the experience Ray, all suggestions are appreciated.

 

[jon2]

Well, if nobody is going to convince me to get MH over T5's, T5 it is.

 

[anhedonia]

How many 54 watt t5's would it take to compete with a 1000 wat mh? you woul need to buy 2 8 bulb 4 ft fixture at least. Tha benifit would be alot less heat and yo could put them inches from the top of the canopy. But still the 1000 watt mh will put of more lumens and way more heat but you'll nturally get better compact rowth with mre light.

 

[Golden Ray]

4bulb 4 foot T5 are workin for me so far, If I could I would get 6 or even 8 bulb T5, I like heavy foilage and a nice big canopy.

 

[anhedonia]

t5's are hella cool thogh. They have a fixture called the spectra max 516 4 ft by 14.25 inches and puts ot 52,000 lumens. Has 2 150 watt hps bulbs in the middle and 2 t5's on eitherside of them. Its prety bad ass for a 500 watt fixture. Sun systems makes it and it runs about $430.

 

[fat sam]

the mh is a way better option, not only do mh's run more efficently but they will produce much stronger plants, plus you can hang it higher so you wont need to mess with the lights on a daily basis, the only time you should use t5's over a mh are when you have a height limitation or something like that, plants like a bright point of light more than they like spread out light, besides those multi lamp t5 fixtures are quite pricey, for veg you could use the 1000 on a light rail and cover more space than you could immagine with that single light, sorry but if this is even a consideration then mh it is

 

[OregonMeds]

What size grow are you doing, how big is your veg room and flower room and will you have a seperate veg room or are we talking about the same area?

Hardly anyone here has a grow that needs 1000w veg area, or 2000 watts.

Are you trying to veg a 10lb scrog or grow a 6' tree?

 

[johnnyhustle]

What size grow are you doing, how big is your veg room and flower room and will you have a seperate veg room or are we talking about the same area?

Hardly anyone here has a grow that needs 1000w veg area, or 2000 watts.

Are you trying to veg a 10lb scrog or grow a 6' tree?

haha. that sounds like the ticket. for real.

 

[D.Gotti]

Coming soon! 2600w Phototron! Single TREE grow!

 

[Wetdog]

Well, if nobody is going to convince me to get MH over T5's, T5 it is.

My MH went into the flower tent. I now use PL-L T-5 HO for vegging. Just blows the MH out of the water. Cooler and cheaper to run. Couldn't be happier with them. Have 2 of the TEK-2 from HTG. ~$70/fixture.

Wet