T5 fixture ?

[Taproot]

I'm looking at T5 fixtures and notice a price difference among brands. I'm interested in the Quantum bad boy, but is this a better fixture than hydrofarm T5. I always look at warranty on ballast first. besides that what other things are important. this will be a 4 ft. 8 lamp fixture. are the more expensive fixture's worth the money. the quantum list 199 without bulbs. the hydrofarm is 225 with bulbs. thanks Taproot

 

[Zen Master]

I have 2 hydrofarm 6 bulbs and they work like a charm. Haven't used the other brand but I'd save the money for nutes/electricity.

 

[stonedar]

the badboy costs more because it folds up

I have been very pleased with my Hydrofarm T5s

PLH sells hydrofarm for $199 with bulbs
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hydrofarm-t5-4ft-grow-lights-c-321_738.html

 

[John Deere]

I've been using my Hydrofarm T5 for over a year now. No complaints. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. The stock bulbs work great.

FWIW--I've also got a cheap no-name Chinese T5 that's worked equally well for roughly the same amount of time.

 

[Taproot]

wow ! that was fast. I buying 2 fixtures and saving $ helps with other needs. are the hydrofarms vented ? tell me about the reflectors anyone? thanks for the help everyone. I have been out for 6 plus years and learning to crawl again. thanks Taproot

 

[Zen Master]

the hydrofarms have 'vents' (I have the 'designer' model) but they don't really help cool, I think its just so heat doesn't get trapped inside the body, if you are completely enclosed it DOES produce some heat, but if you have any air exchange going on at all you would be fine with just an oscillating fan in regards to heat.

the reflector on the hydrofarm is great, real close and angled for each individual bulb.

 

[MileHighGuy]

Most of the T5 Fixtures are made at the same factory in Japan.

I have the Sunblaze T5 and they work excellent.

You can find deals on T5 "Bloom" Bulbs online as well.

I like to use both at the same time.

There are a few tricks to using them effectively, are you planning on using for veg and flower?

 

[Taproot]

the fixtures will be for veg. 1 for moms and 1 for clones.heat is not big issue.25x50 basement.stonedar was right on price. 225 shipped. looked for a few minutes and that's cheaper than anyone for designer model. thanks

 

[LeeROI]

I have the Designer series in two-footers that I like.
Some people have had trouble with bulbs staying tight in the big Quantums, I guess there is a certain way to assemble them.
The only reason I would pay more than the standard lines from Hydrofarm or Sunlight Supply would be to get the kind that have auto-switching ballasts that can run on 240V.

 

[Taproot]

i have decided on the hydrofarm designer series.for 225 shipped.plantlightinghydroponics is the best deal.thanks again. Taproot