Do T5s have better penetration as compared to CFLs?

jerichojews

Well-Known Member
I know that CFL quickly lose their efficiency after being more than a few inches away from their target. Is this the same for T5 bulbs? Or, can a T5 fixture atop a mature plant reach down far enough that lower branches will also be served?
 

Vonkins

Well-Known Member
Brighter, but do they also reach further?
Let's make this simple. If you shine a flashlight into the woods at night how far can u see. Now shine a spotlight in the woods. U can see 2 to 3 times farther. Brighter light = deeper penetration.
 

jerichojews

Well-Known Member
Is it simply a matter of more lumens? I thought there was something specific about fluorescent lighting that prevented it from reaching more than a few inches with its initial level of brightness, and I wasn't sure if T5 lighting fell into the same category. I was thinking about a setup with multiple T5s (large one on top and smaller ones for side lighting), but wasn't sure if such a setup was practical.
 

209 Cali closet grower

Well-Known Member
Is it simply a matter of more lumens? I thought there was something specific about fluorescent lighting that prevented it from reaching more than a few inches with its initial level of brightness, and I wasn't sure if T5 lighting fell into the same category. I was thinking about a setup with multiple T5s (large one on top and smaller ones for side lighting), but wasn't sure if such a setup was practical.
yes it is.

Just really comes down to, what you what to do in your grow spot.T5 are great lights
 

jerichojews

Well-Known Member
I already have a 2ft, 2bulb fixture, but it was the very first thing I got for a first grow. I was thinking of turning this one into side lighting (along with 1 or 2 more so that the area is surrounded) and then getting a 2ft, either 4 or 6 bulb fixture for the top. I still have a bunch of clamp lights and 150w & 200w equiv cfl's that I can use to fill in some of the dimmer spots. I'm not sure how many plants such a setup can accomodate, but I'm willing to find out :wink:
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
I know that CFL quickly lose their efficiency after being more than a few inches away from their target. Is this the same for T5 bulbs? Or, can a T5 fixture atop a mature plant reach down far enough that lower branches will also be served?
All lights lose efficiency as distance from the source grows farther. That includes HID. T5 usually are higher wattage than screw in CFL bulbs.
 
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