Lights, why can't I?

Hey, so my first grow is outside in my tomato plant garden and it's had its struggles, and I am frustrated with the in ability to control everything.

I'm about to make a simple 6 plant aero/nft system, and I'm on a limited budget.

My question is : everyone says a T5 HO FL lighting setup is great for cloning and veg, but why does everyone switch to hps? I am not worried if the HOFL takes a little longer, but won't I get the same results, or am I missing out on the ideal spectrum or something?

I've been using T5 HO for yrs and get decent grows, 6500K for veg and 3000K for bloom, I'm sure that with MH and HPS I'd get higher yields, as far as spectrum is I think it's the same, it's just the intensity of the light that makes a difference.

DeeTee said:

I've been using T5 HO for yrs and get decent grows, 6500K for veg and 3000K for bloom, I'm sure that with MH and HPS I'd get higher yields, as far as spectrum is I think it's the same, it's just the intensity of the light that makes a difference.

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What he said

Thx, I figured that was the answer. I am going to be growing in a 4x4x6 room. I have a small budget and don't need the added expense of cooling the room or keeping hps cool. It's in a dark cool basement, ideal for growing, with access to ventilation. Plus, I am only growing for myself, or whatever I wanna give away. It's more of a project/challenge then a way to get my bud without technically buying it.

Best of luck to you, it's great to be able to grow and smoke your own weed, do you plan to go soil or hydro?
hydro for me, I find it much easier than soil with less problems.

T5s still put off heat. Hps lights are considered hot because people are usually using high wattage bulbs, but they make weaker ones like 150 and 250 watt. Not trying to dissuade you from floros or anything, just know that with any bulb type it is the wattage that creates the heat.

if you're using 1 light for all growth stages, LED is clearly best.

cloning/veg? t5s will have you laughing.

I have used T5's for veg. and love them, they are easy on the eyes and pocketbook. I do switch to hid for flower as the intensity and canopy penetration is much better.

I also have a couple of 2' 4 bulb ( 96w ea) that are on an inverter/battery backup so when I lose power I still have some light to keep the plants from possibly freaking out and so I can still see...lol

for the price of owning and operating, they fit that bill nicely.

Peace and Great Grows

Asmallvoice

DeeTee said:

Best of luck to you, it's great to be able to grow and smoke your own weed, do you plan to go soil or hydro?
hydro for me, I find it much easier than soil with less problems.

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I'm going to be going Hydro. A simple clone and veg setup, and I've seen it used very well for flower, as long as you keep your plants a tad smaller. I'll be able to harvest quicker though, and I don't really need much