Do T5s have better penetration as compared to CFLs?

[jerichojews]

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?

 

[volcanoOFhistory]

Penetration isn't much better on t5

 

[Vonkins]

Penetration isn't much better on t5

High output T5 are way brighter than freaking cfl

 

[jerichojews]

Brighter, but do they also reach further?

 

[Vonkins]

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]

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]

Penetration isn't much better on t5

to cfls??Really, wow

 

[209 Cali closet grower]

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]

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

 

[jerichojews]

Anybody else care to weigh in? T5s!!!!

 

[hotrodharley]

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.