stupid question about fluorescent lighting

[TattooedJT]

I'm currently building a veg cabinet. I would like to have clones and seedlings on the lower compartment and use the upper space for a couple mother plants and my regular veg space.
My question is I would like to use fluorescent light for the clone area and I was wondering what is the difference in light fixtures? Should I go with the Sun Blaze T5 fixtures at my local grow store...or can I use a fixture from a hardware store for about 1/2 the price?

 

[exile19]

Re: stupid question about fluorescent lighting.

your talking about the things the lights are connected too?

 

[Fuzzy Duck]

Re: stupid question about fluorescent lighting.

T5 fittings are all Bi Pin (double pin) as far as i'm aware & should be the same on all brands/makes of bulb including T8s etc

 

[TattooedJT]

Would I be able to use aT8 fixture for my clone area or should I go with the T5?

 

[Fuzzy Duck]

Re: stupid question about fluorescent lighting.

T8 are 4' long & T5 are 2' long it all depends on size of clone area at the end of the day

 

[dragontoker]

Re: stupid question about fluorescent lighting.

T8 are 4' long & T5 are 2' long it all depends on size of clone area at the end of the day

The designation T5 or T8 doesnt represent the length, its the diameter of the bulb. T5's come in 4ft.

 

[Fuzzy Duck]

Re: stupid question about fluorescent lighting.

The designation T5 or T8 doesnt represent the length, its the diameter of the bulb. T5's come in 4ft.

That i did not know & only viewed what was aviable from most online hydroponic shops or limited selection in my own country.

I shall pay more attention to whats aviable in the local diy/hardware store on next visit

 

[TattooedJT]

Thanks for your help guys. I found a 2ft. 2 tube T8 at a diy store for pretty cheap but I just wanted to make sure I could get some decent growth with it. I plan on going with cfl for the veg area(19x28x40inches) so I'm thinking that I can save a few bucks on the clone area(19x28x26inches) what do you guys think?

 

[TattooedJT]

Thanks again for your help guys after much research I decided I would be better off going with cfls...gonna run the bottom with 4 23 Watts and I'm still debating the upper.