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Top 13 T5 Led Grow Lights Of 2024

Brandon Forder
  Mar 28, 2024 12:09 PM

ndoor gardening with T5 grow lights is an excellent option if you're tired of struggling to get enough light for your seedlings, or if you just want to speed up the process. They will begin to grow as soon as you increase the amount of light they are receiving.

Lighting your plants with a few bulbs won't suffice. In the event that you currently have lights, you should consider acquiring indoor grow lights that are specifically tailored to your plants' needs.

What you need to know about T5 grow lights will be covered in this buyer's guide. In the first place, here is a quick overview of our best recommendations. After that, we'll go into the specifics of each light and what you should know!


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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Sizing

While the diameter of T5 light bulbs is set at 5/8′′, the fixtures that they come in vary in size, making them a versatile choice for your grow room. T5 light bulbs. If you require a specific length and number of bulbs, you can almost certainly find them. When making your purchase, think about how much space you have available in your indoor garden before making a decision. If you don't need all of the lamps, you can always turn them off... ...but you can't turn on bulbs that you don't have.

Bulb Temperatures

In T5 grow lights, the temperature of the bulb can be adjusted in two ways. Each has a specific role to play in the growth of plants at every stage.

Microgreens, seedlings, and mature plants can all benefit from 6,500K bulbs. Kevin's best-selling T5 bulb type is the Kevin T5.

Using 3000K bulbs encourages plants to bloom and produce fruit.

To utilize T5s for seed starting and growing vegetables, just 6,500K bulbs are necessary. Whiteish bulbs (6500k) and some yellowish bulbs (3000k) can be used to maximize the growth of fruiting plants by providing a wider spectrum of wavelengths for plants.

Reflector Style

Apart from sizing, there are two primary types of T5 grow lights: rectangular reflectors and gull-wing ones, both of which use the same light source. While I like encased reflectors and near proximity to plants, if you have to set your lights higher, the gull-wing form may be an option. Light leaking out of the sides of your grow room can be redirected by using this.

Ability to control the bulbs separately

Look for a T5 light with this additional feature. Dimming or turning off some lamps while leaving others on allows you to have independent control over their brightness.

As well as reducing your utility bills by turning off unused bulbs, this feature also allows you to light up your landscaping. In addition, it comes in helpful if you grow a variety of plants, as you may adjust the light intensity to suit their needs.

Your Budget

T5 grow lights are quite inexpensive compared to other forms of lighting, but my official philosophy is to always get the best lighting you can afford. T5 lights have both advantages and disadvantages, so do your homework before making a decision.

Your Existing Lights

Adding T5 lighting to your current grow lighting arrangement is a consideration if you currently have grow lights. You should do a preliminary estimate of the overall cost and light output of all of your lights before making a purchase. Unless you want to replace all of your old lights, this is a smart idea.

The Color Temperature of the Bulbs

A T5 light fixture might have replaceable bulbs so check to see what is included in your system before purchasing. Fluorescent bulbs shine in the vegetative stages of growth, thus you should use bulbs suited for this stage. Pick up some flowering bulbs while you're at it, too.


FAQS

What are T5 Grow Lights?

Plants cultivated indoors or in areas where there is insufficient light might benefit from T5 grow lights, a type of fluorescent bulb that produces artificial lighting. The letters "T" and "5" stand for "5/8 inch tube diameter," respectively.

The T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes are just a couple of the options available. But the most popular and efficient of the three is the T5 model.

Veggies and seedlings have been grown using T5 grow lights for decades.

How far do I hang T5's from plants?

The distance between your light and the canopy should be at least 6-8 inches. A T5 grow lamp can boost this to 12-24 inches depending on how powerful it is.

Despite the fact that T5 lights produce less heat than HIDs, it's vital to remember that they do produce heat. It is also true that the more bulbs a light has, the more heat it produces. It is critical that you raise your plants to keep them safe from the sun's rays.

Remember that if you raise your light too high, it will cause your plants to stretch. Plants and crops are damaged as a result of this practice. As a result, monitoring the height of your T5s above your plants is critical to ensuring that they receive the proper quantity of light.

How long do T5 grow lights last?

Just over two years' worth of use is possible with T5 fluorescent grow bulbs. Their reflectors and ballasts, on the other hand, can last anywhere from three to four years before they need to be changed.

When the internal ballasts or connections on a T5 grow light fail, you'll have to replace the entire reflector, as opposed to other grow lights that may be replaced in pieces. T5's are more expensive to replace than any other grow light, so keep that in mind when you're growing with them.

Are T5 lights energy efficient?

T5 fluorescent bulbs, with the possible exception of LEDs, are among the most energy-efficient options available. If you're producing seedlings, greens, or herbs, you'll save a lot of money by using LEDs instead of HID, HPS, or MH bulbs, both in terms of energy expenses and in terms of venting away surplus heat.


Conclusion

It's important to take into account recurring costs before purchasing the best T5 grow lights for your needs. A good rule of thumb is to think about how many seasons you'll utilize a product before making a purchasing decision. Investing in a step-up product will save you money on future parts and bulb replacements if you plan to grow with the light for at least three seasons. There have been many generations of keen indoor gardeners who have relied on T5 grow lights for sprouting seedlings and keeping houseplants alive through the winter. Your new T5 grow lights will be a lot of fun once you have them installed.


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