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JW
11-03-2011, 02:41 PM
In the past I had a lovely large west facing window where I stored my bananas over the winter. We have since moved and this year I have no natural light sources that are adequate for my banana collection.

I was going to go with a fluorescent light in the basement this year.
Instead of a T5 system all I can find locally is a four bulb 48" T8 light with 6500K daylight bulbs.

I know the T8 is not as energy friendly as the T5 but is there a big difference in the light output?

I am looking to put 3 bananas and a couple pineapple plants under this fixture. Would the T8s work?

Richard
11-03-2011, 05:58 PM
The 6500K bulbs have the best spectrum for plants. For over-wintering, I'd use 200 Watts at 8 to 10 hours per day. This is no where near a full sun dosage, so be careful not to over water -- the plants will be growing slowly.

Velutina
11-04-2011, 02:31 PM
T8s work very well for certain applications. I have mainly used them small plants and germination. They may not work as well for larger plants, however.

I recently bought some corms for spring planting. I will grow them under this light until temperatures are warm enough outside. The bulbs are cheap NO (normal output) bulbs driven by a VHO (very high output) ballast. The ballast pushes 110 watts per bulb (220W total). I have a 4000K and a 6500K bulb. I have used this method in the past with great success.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt201/triterium/2a7251e5.jpg

Richard
11-04-2011, 04:59 PM
T8s work very well for certain applications. I have mainly used them small plants and germination. They may not work as well for larger plants, however.

I recently bought some corms for spring planting. I will grow them under this light until temperatures are warm enough outside. The bulbs are cheap NO (normal output) bulbs driven by a VHO (very high output) ballast. The ballast pushes 110 watts per bulb (220W total). I have a 4000K and a 6500K bulb. I have used this method in the past with great success.

Great set-up. You've got the desired 50W per square foot with the desired spectral distribution.

timmko
11-04-2011, 08:48 PM
Here is where i got my T-5 fixture. I use that along with a MH 400 watt 6500kbulb and the plants love it.
Hydrofarm T5 4FT Designer Fluorescent Grow Lights - Plantlighting Hydroponics & Grow Lights (http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hydrofarm-t5-4ft-grow-lights-c-321_738.html)