Quote:
Originally Posted by NANAMAN
You may want to look into compact fluorescent bulbs,( very low heat transfer, highly efficient).
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CF are a step up from regular or overdriven fluorescents, but they still lack the sheer growing power of a MH, both in terms of usage cost and over all set up cost. Part of the problem is that because of their structure, you can't really make the most efficient reflector.
HO T5's with individual reflectors (and that is key, individual reflectors) may become a substitute in some applications, but the structure of a banana plant is such that you would have to hang them very creatively to really get the bang for your buck. I suspect that they would do better with an expense of foliage that was essentially at the same height. Like an aeroponics unit growing basil or some such. The do put out a fantastic amount of light with fairly low heat output. Reef tank people and some of the hydroponics folks are switching. Just remember, not all T5 units are the same. Go for individually reflected HO bulbs, if you go for them at all.
In a few years I suspect that reasonable, efficient LED lights will become available. They have some prototypes out there for the reef keeping folks, it is just a matter of time before the price drops and the plant people use them big time.
http://www.solarisled.com/
Keith