in my experience, I just got a T5 14 w 24" undercabinet light at HD for $18. Wanted to supplement my S. window where I have been using a 23 W CFL [100W equiv]. The light of the small T5 seems higher than the CFL. Not so much noticeable by the naked eye but when I took a photo of a pot of young keikis last night I saw that the side of the T5 was way more overexposed [left side].
I got the undercabinet because it is lightweight and I could tape it to a shelf next to the window.
at HD you can get a 3 ft T5 setup for 25 dollars [+ 6$ wire]. I think it seems more efficient than T12 [I have 2 setups with 2 bulbs each]. and a tube is 15/ 20 W vs 40 so in the long run if I switch to T5 I may save on the electricity bill.
seems a 15/20W T5 bulb is quite brighter than a 40W T12.
Anyway some new leaves / keiki of a phal under the 2 T12 are purple so it may be enough. but I also have Vanda, Dens, Catt. etc.
I dont know if T8 are efficiency wise closer to T12 or T5.
Last edited by stefpix; 10-18-2009 at 04:51 PM..
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