My current preference is running to T8 lamps for numerous reasons.
What i have found from many posts yes the T5's SHO etc all put out a great deal of light, the T8's put out a decent amount of light, at a decent cost, and are readily available everywhere.
Here is the latest example i have run across.
a 4' T12 40 using a mag ballast actually only draws 32w ( Mag ballasts are lower PF )
a 4' T8 32 watt Using an Electronic ballast actually draw 40w.
Now assuming that each of these bulbs draws the stated power ( they do not ), what you will find is the T8 puts out much more light at 32w than the T12 @ 40w by a factor of approx 1.4 so if you take a 32w * 1.4 = 44.8w of equivalent light over the 40w from a t12. Now the T8's last much longer @ 20,000 hours vs 12,000 hours.
So now if you take and actually look at power draw 40w * 1.4 = 56w from a T8 vs 32 from a T12 and it is cheaper and lasts longer.
Now if you want to get fancy you can build your own lights endcaps and Electronic ballasts from HD will run you 25.00 using this method you can Overdrive the T8 by an additional factor of approx. 1.4 the ballast runs cooler ( the bulb runs hotter ) so a 32w 4' T8 lamp that puts out just over 78w can be had for 30.00 and time, you can also get fancy and order up some nice Brite Reflectors from AH supply that will double your costs but claims to add 50% more light.
That is all well and good if you are after very high light. i currently use a shop light i purchased from Walmart for 14.00 and 2 t12 6500k bulbs on my 55g, this currently gives me right in the neighborhood of 1.3 - 1.4
WPG of lighting, i do not use CO2 but i dose daily with Excel and twice a week with flourish.
I have over the past Month not observed any nutrient deficiencies in any of my plants
I will be replacing the shop light with a home built T8 fixture but only because i wish to be able to stagger the on times of the individual bulbs, and i dont like how much room the T12 fixture takes up in my canopy.
My 50 corner is the tank that will receive the greatest benefit as it is somewhat oddly shaped, and deep, so custom built T8's are the order for that one.
End Caps @ 3.59 a pair, T8 2 Bulb electronic ballast 24.00 each and a pair of 10.00 timers. and i will have more than enough light
Most everything is available BTW from H.D.
except the reflectors, and me. im just going to use aluminum foil is should work fine, i do or will provide for ventilation, Fans will be allowed for, just not planned for installation until i feel there is a true need.
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