T5 fluorescent thoughts

Clumpyoyster

Well-Known Member
Hey everyone hows it going? I want to make a fluorescent t5 light for seedlings and clones and small guys until they are tent worthy. This is what I’m planning. Is this to much for growing seedlings and clones and small plants. It is 4 ft long by 2 ft. Will have either 8 - 28w t5 (3500k) or 8 - 54w t5 (4100k) HO cool white. I need some input from peeps that use these types of fluorescents. Thx
 

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xtsho

Well-Known Member
I use a 4 ft 4 bulb with HO 54w 6500k. Works great. I've been using it for years. 8 bulbs like you're putting together would be better and I've been planning on adding another four. That's what I use in my 2 x 4 veg tent. The good thing about them is that you can get them close and they have good coverage vs an inexpensive LED that you have to keep much farther away from the plants and doesn't cover the entire tent. My veg tent is just 5 ft tall and I can't waste 20 - 30 inches on LED distance from the plants.

That setup will work great for what you plan on using it for.
 

a mongo frog

Well-Known Member
I need some input from peeps that use these types of fluorescents.
I use them and i hate them. You would be better off building a 250 watt 5 cob 4 foot long bar. It smashes a T-5 HO in every which way. Not trying to be a downer, but absolutely T-5's are a waste of fucking life, and i own millions of them. Slowly fazing those piece of shits out. 5 more cob bars and Ill be free at last from a fucking T-5!!!!
 

Blue back

Well-Known Member
I veg under my 4' 4 bulb T5 right up to before they go in the bud room. Runs 24 7 and has them more then ready to bud15692955846881975433318704541106.jpg
 

Blue back

Well-Known Member
It's at 20" right now. Quite a bit higher to start. They've been topped several times to stay as short as they are now. There ready to go. I grow taller plants. The plants in bud are 5' to 6' tall.
 

ganga gurl420

Well-Known Member
It's at 20" right now. Quite a bit higher to start. They've been topped several times to stay as short as they are now. There ready to go. I grow taller plants. The plants in bud are 5' to 6' tall.
May I ask why you do that? Having node spacing too far apart is going to cause a lot of popcorn buds instead of big fat colas.
Look at a scrog grow... the tops are anywhere from a foot ...foot and a half above the net and you can pull pounds off a 4x4 area.
 

Blue back

Well-Known Member
May I ask why you do that? Having node spacing too far apart is going to cause a lot of popcorn buds instead of big fat colas.
Look at a scrog grow... the tops are anywhere from a foot ...foot and a half above the net and you can pull pounds off a 4x4 area.
Lol I have no prob pulling BIG harvests
 

ganga gurl420

Well-Known Member
Well that is an interesting way to do it. Looks like the ones closer to the light will be fine but the lower lower buds are not going to get much light. But hey it's your grow. :peace:
 

Blue back

Well-Known Member
Well that is an interesting way to do it. Looks like the ones closer to the light will be fine but the lower lower buds are not going to get much light. But hey it's your grow. :peace:
I harvest from top to bottom. And I am pulling pounds from a 4x4. I also have a 4' 6 bulb T5 for side lighting and 2 CMH 315's
 
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