Hydrofarm 24" T12 Fluorescent

[jawnroot]

Anyone use one of these fixtures? Picking one up for seedlings and mothers. I know it uses magnetic ballasts as opposed to electronic; not sure if that means anything for practical purposes.

 

[northernlightss]

Home Depot or the like will be much better for cost efficiency for a better product. Last time I was there a week ago my local one had dual or single bulb t-5 fixtures (that include all bulbs), a 24" dual bulb t-5 was $25. Single bulb fixtures are cheaper. They have them in 18" sizes up to 48". I will be picking some up to light up lower buds in one of my cabs.

The t-5s will produce alot more light for less power. They rock for veg. If you get a t-12 fixture for some reason most will run the t-8 bulbs just fine and use less power and produce more light. Either way check out your home improvement box type store, a fluorescent fixture from Hydrofarm just has a name tax on it. Why pay the extra?

 

[northernlightss]

http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Fluorescent-Lighting-Commercial-Fluorescents-Strips/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg4Zarlu/R-100654375/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
This is the 2' version, but mine stocks theee in variety of sizes, simple, well built cheap dual t-5 available at your local home depot. $23 bucks isnt bad since it includes bulbs. Although I would probably get some 6000k bulbs instead of the 3000k it comes with for veg.

 

[jawnroot]

Thanks for turning me onto that. I may very well pick one up for veg the next time I hit the Depot. Unfortunately, I already ordered the Hydrofarm. I'm guessing it'll serve fine for mothers.

EDIT: Was reading that description in a bit more detail. The included lamps are 14 watt, which is "standard" T5. One would have to buy the "high output" 24 watt T5s to get the full effect. Otherwise, those 14 watters are about the equivalent of a standard T8 or T12 in terms of light output. I don't know that the Depot stocks HO lamps, and I'm not sure this fixture could run them (although it probably could). So I'd have to order the lamps ($8 each), which (including shipping) would cost as much as the hydrofarm fixture alone.

I'm still interested in this fixture, though. It might be a good option for the veg space I'm setting up...perhaps a better option than the one I was thinking about.

 

[nippirt]

. . . I know it uses magnetic ballasts as opposed to electronic; not sure if that means anything for practical purposes.

Here is one thing: magnetic flourescent ballasts will no longer be allowed for the US (too much wasted energy).
From google "Replacement ballasts will continue to be manufactured and sold until July 1, 2010 "
Energy Policy Act of 2005

 

[jawnroot]

Here is one thing: magnetic flourescent ballasts are no longer allowed to be manufactured for the US (too much wasted energy).

Fair enough, but does that have any impact on actual use? Like diminished light versus electronic?

 

[RetroGrow]

T8s are fine for veg. The plants love them. You just need to get a few of them.

 

[ScrubNinja]

Fair enough, but does that have any impact on actual use? Like diminished light versus electronic?

Magnetic ballasts modulate electrical current at a relatively low cycle rate, which can cause a noticeable flicker. Magnetic ballasts may also vibrate at a low frequency. This is the source of the audible humming sound people associate with fluorescent lamps.

Modern ballast designs use advanced electronics to more precisely regulate the current flowing through the electrical circuit. Since they use a higher cycle rate, you don't generally notice a flicker or humming noise coming from an electronic ballast.

I believe a magnetic ballast would run hotter too.