Fluorescent T5 grow lights are the best form of propagation lighting - they’re ultra-efficient and produce virtually no heat. While they may not be suitable for full-cycle growing - particularly if you’re growing flowering crops - they can help you cultivate herbs and certain small plants indoors without even noting them on your energy bill. And when you buy T5 fluorescent grow lights at Hydrobuilder, you’ll have an extensive selection of the top brands and products in horticulture whether you want a traditional T5 or a CFL.
Are T5 Grow Lights Good For Plants?
Fluorescent grow lights are best known for their propagation abilities. These lights do wonders for clones, seedlings, and young plants since they have low heat output and less intense light.
HID and LED grow lights need to be placed further away from plants, and a lot of light is wasted. Fluorescent tubes are smaller and save the grower money on electricity costs. These lights can also emit a full spectrum for plants.
For growers trying to grow the biggest plants possible, fluorescent lighting is a great way to get plants started. Once the plants begin to get larger, it is best to switch to a CMH or LED grow light to increase yields come harvest.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A T5 Light?
The reason so many growers opt for fluorescent grow lighting during propagation and early veg is because of the energy efficiency they offer.
This obviously varies based on size and specific brand/product, but you can generally expect to spend under $5 a month in some cases!
You won’t even notice this on your electricity bill unless you’re running hundreds of these in a commercial setting. If this sounds like you, you need t5 fluorescent grow lights even more so you can bring those costs down and get the best return from your crop.
Fluorescent T5 Grow Lights vs Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL’s)
The two main types of fluorescent grow lights are the T5 grow light and Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL).
T5 grow lights are much easier to set up and operate slightly more efficiently. T5 bulbs will last a little longer than CFLs, but they also require a T5 ballast.
For more growers - we recommend the T5. They’re more versatile, and typically more powerful. While they won’t be nearly as powerful as other types of lighting, they may even be able to cultivate certain plants from seed to harvest!
Is LED Or Fluorescent Better For Plants?
The two most efficient lighting technologies in 2021 are LED and fluorescent - but which is better for growing your plants?
If you are growing in a small enclosed space, t5 fluorescent grow lights will be your best option, since these can be placed very close to plants. You’ll also have to grow smaller plants in your smaller space anyway, and T5 and CFL grow lights are great for this type of grow room setup.
If you want to grow larger plants, LED grow lights will be a better option, since they will penetrate the canopy further and disperse light more effectively. LEDs are far more powerful and feature a more optimized growing spectrum.
Fluorescent grow lights are much cheaper than LED grow lights, so your budget will play a role in your decision as well. But if you don’t want to choose - you can even shop for a T5 LED grow light. These combination fixtures offer the efficiency of fluorescent technology with the output and spectrum of LED. This way, you get the best of both worlds!
What Is The Best T5 Grow Light?
There are so many incredible t5 grow light fixtures available here at Hydrobuilder. This is a blessing and a curse, because it makes it a bit tougher to determine which is right for you and your crop.
That’s why we put together our guide of the best T5 grow lights currently on the market. We cover a fixture for every type of grow out there and showcase the very best the industry has to offer.
With that said - if you’re just looking for the best of the best, we highly recommend the Covert T5 grow lights. They’re budget-friendly but don’t compromise on quality - see for yourself why these are one of the most sought-after fixtures out there!
How Many Hours A Day Should You Use A Fluorescent Grow Light?
This depends on what stage your plants are in. During vegetative growth, plants need at least 18 hours of light. Most growers will then give the plants 6 hours of darkness, but some growers report increased growth from 24 hours of light.
In order for plants to flower, the photoperiod needs to be changed to 12 hours of light, followed by 12 hours of darkness.
How Close Should Fluorescent Lights Be To Plants?
Fluorescent grow lights have a low heat output and a lower light intensity than HID and LED counterparts.
We recommend hanging your light 6” inches at first, and raise it as the plant grows. Do not let your fluorescent grow lights get higher than 12” above plants, as they will lose their power.
Why Buy Fluorescent T5 Grow Lights At Hydrobuilder?
There are plenty of online hydroponics stores selling fluorescent fixtures, and yet, the best growers in the industry (hobby AND commercial) continue to come to Hydrobuilder time and time again.
Why is that?
Simple - nobody in the horticulture industry offers the level of customer service and dedication that we do. We want the very best for your crop and can help you produce bigger, better plants while stretching your equipment and supplies budget further.
Whether you grow indoors or in a greenhouse, in soil or hydroponics - we are the experts on all things growing. With the best products from the best brands, with the best prices and service in the industry - what more could you ask for?
If you want to learn more about these lights, check out our review of the top T5 grow lights, or give our experienced growers a call today at 888-815-9763. We can help you find the right products for your crop, and get you them for less!
