T5s vs. T12s

Hi, this is my very first time growing and I have a question about lighting. All over the internet I read the praises of T5 lighting. My question is what is the real difference between T5 fluorescent tubes and T12 fluorescent tubes. The reason I ask is because it would be much cheaper for me (about $60-$70 cheaper) to use a T12 lighting system. I've been around to places like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart and I can't even find T5s; they all sell T8s and T12s. And as far as I can tell there's not much difference in K temp., lumens, and CRI. Obviously I would like to set up the least expensive system I can, but I don't want to compromise on the quality of lighting.

Thanks in advance for any input.

T-12's suck, they are basically shop lights.
The best flouro's are 54 watt T-5 HO, and yes it has to have all of the mentioned features, 54 watts, HO.
T-8's are better than T-12's but not as good as T-5's, you'll be disappointed when your finished if you use these.

If what you say is true, (I don't want to compromise on the quality of lighting) get a decent hps setup for about $100.00, you can even get the enhanced bulb at that price and use the hps from vegging all the way thru flowering.

Try here High Tech Garden Supply

If you want to splurge, this is what I bought....High Tech Garden Supply
It retails for $199.00 but has some nice options.

You're right, HPS does seem like the better deal. But I still have some questions.

Which lamp are you referring to, the 150W FloraLux or the 400W HTGSupply? Which one is the one that comes with the enhanced bulb and how large of an area will these lights accomodate?

Thanks.

a 400 watt light will do a 3x3 area very nicely, I am not sure about the 150 watt light as the price difference is minimal, so get the 400 watt light.
On there front page they show a nice setup for $119.00 that is a 430 watt system with the correct bulb. Remote ballast too. 55000 lumens!
High Tech Garden Supply

And that bulb should work well for the entire vegetation and blooming period? Or should I also get an MH conversion bulb for blooming?

if you use t-5's flower when the kiddies have 4 nodes (very small) and keep the lights 1 inch from your foliage at all times...

i promise nice buds!!!

if you pH your water!!!! https://www.rollitup.org/indoor-growing/8538-how-position-rectangular-hood-rectangular.html

iloveyou

if u dont want to spend big money then dont even think about t5's, as for a cheap hps solution you can buy 50w, 70w and 150w at a lowes or home depot $50-$80.