Many indoor gardeners prefer t8 grow lamps over t12 because they produce more overall lumens than regular t12 fluorescent bulbs have a longer life and are more efficient.
T5 vs t8 vs t12 grow lights.
T5 standard output lamps have their place it s just understanding the applications and the desired results.
You should buy the t5 light if it can be hung about 4 to 8 inches above your plants but the t8 light if there isn t that much space in your grow room and you can hang them up below those 8 inches.
Considerably more efficient than their predecessors the t8 and t12 bulbs t5s boast a higher brightness output with less energy used per lumen produced.
If brightness is your main requirement then t8 is the better option.
However what sets t5 fluorescent lights apart from t8 bulbs is their dramatic reduction in size.
Like the t5 the t8 tube creates light through advanced electronic circuits and are available in standard 2 3 4 and 5 foot lengths.
But in general you can control your heat with ventilation and frequent watering so you can put t5 lights closer and also move t8.
T5 grow lights aren t the only fluorescent lights on the market because there are t4 t5 t8 and even t12 lights that all compete with each other which is why these comparison posts are so popular and sought after this one as you can tell by the tittle is one about comparing t5 fluorescent grow lights to t12 ones and figuring out which is better in the end.
If efficiency and modest yet still bright lighting is what you need to acheive consider t5 tubes.
T12 if you are looking to replace the fluorescent tube lighting in your office warehouse house or another area comparing the different kinds of tubes will help you in your selection.
T5 bulbs are the latest generation of tubular style lighting with a diameter of 5 8ths of an inch.
T5 grow lights explained.
Buying t8 vs t5 depends on your requirements more than anything else.
T5 lamps are 40 smaller than t8 fixtures but are capable of containing just as much and sometimes more light in.
While it obviously isn t a good idea to switch from t8 to t5 in the above scenario it would be very good if it were a switch from t12 to t5 standard output lighting.