Minimum ratings for T8 Bulbs

[chopster01]

Under a different thread people are being very helpful in regard to some lighting problems I am having. One of the possible solutions are T8 lights. While the verdict is still out on whether I should go with T8s (please weigh in), I thought I'd ask this:

Is a 32W 86CRI 4100K T8 bulb sufficient (in a bank of four) or is it VERY important to get a 90CRI 5000K or 6500K bulb?

I live in small town Iowa. I can get 32W 86CRI 4100K T8 bulbs at the local Ace Hardware (no Home Depots here), but I'd have to order the 90CRI 5000K or 6500K bulbs.

Thanks for all the help. I feel fairly stupid and lighting is a big decision.

[Vanessa]

I'm sorry chopster for the no replies...yet. I'd rather like to know the answers myself. No question is stupid as we all learn along.

I have been "lighting challenged" myself and finally replaced my grow lights with T-5's in a bank of 4. What a difference! So I think you may be happier with the T-8's but then again I know a lot of growers who bloom Phals and Paph's under T-12's just fine.

Where's Ross when ya need him?

[Lagoon]

Chopters.

I'm using T-8's 4100,5000K and 6500K , you will have enough light energy to bloom catts. They are not as hot as the T12's and not as pricey as the T-5's.
I also have to put them on order.
Yes get the highest CRI you can get, mine are 86 I believe.

[Ross]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I feel the CRI is not as important as the Kelvin rating. If you can get 5000K tubes, either 86 or 90 is fine. 5000K is a good compromise between a mix of 4100 and 6500K. In my t5 bank I use 3 eac 6500K and one 3000K which creates an average close to the 5000-5500K range. The reason for range is it approximates the sun at noon at the equator and is also the best to view accurately the colors of the flowers. It has liitle to do with plant performance as has been pointed out on the board before.