T5 light fixtures available at Home Depot
 

So I was cruising the Depot earlier this week and was walking through the lighting department when I spyed these T5 fixtures for sale. My HD had everything from 4 foot T5 fixtures to 6" T5 fixtures. And they offered 4 lamp fixtures to single lamp fixtures. They didn't have any with super-cool reflector on them, but they where nice and a reflector could easily be added. I picked up a 24" fixture to try out in my smallish orchid enclosure. I want to see if I can bump up the light output. The lamp I got was a 2 bulb, 24" unit that cost me about $28. The lamps that it came with were the "cool white" bulbs. Meaning that they are in the 3000 to 3500 K temp range. Not what I would perfer, but still OK for $28.

I'll install them and see what I can get out of this new addition to my light setup. :D

Wow, I'm going to have to check my local HD! I looked there multiple times, but nothing. :( I'll ask the next time. Sounds considerably cheaper than buying them at the hydroponics store here, or ordering them online. :) Thanks for the heads up!

Well I installed my new 24" two bulb T5 unit into my orchid enclosure. While it did punch up the light readings, the heat also shot straight up!! I recorded a high temp of 91.6 degrees F the other day. ANd that was without the full morning sun coming through the window that the shelf system sits in front of. Once the cloud cover heads out I think I might be in trouble!

That is definitely impressive - first time I've heard of HD carrying these guys! Try and add some fans to help dissipate the heat.

I remember reading somewhere that t5's are designed to run at about 92 degrees F. I bought one from a hydroponics place online a couple of years ago, and that's about the temp right near the bulbs. Fans help some.

Hey All,
The Home Depot near me has had these for a couple months. However, I am pretty sure they are not the high output T5's. Considering I have been growing under t12 and t8s for a few years now, anything would be an upgrade. Keep us updated on your progress. Would be nice to get Ross's opinion on these. Ross?
Neil

Hi Chas, Do you happen to have light meter? I'd be curious as to the FC readings at 6" and 1 foot on your T5's from Home Depot

Bill

At 6" from the light I am getting 830 fc. At 12" it's a harder reading to get because at that distance it is hard to shield off the other lights. I got a reading of 560 fc at 12".

I'm not sure this new T5 lamp is really helping that much. It has certainly raised the temp quit a bit. I go a hew high temp of 95.2 degrees F. That is really not good. I cut a few vent holes in the enclosure and added a couple of fresh air intakes to help lower the temps. I can now keep the temp at around 90 degrees F. Still a bit on the high side.
I'm not sure about the addition of this lamp. I'll have to look into more smaller fans I'm thinking.

Now why can't I find T5's at my local Home Depot? I wish! But are you sure that they are 3000K to 3500K cool white bulbs? 3000K to 3500K are supposed to be warm colored bulbs.

I miss-typed, they are a warmer looking light. Not the blue-er, cool white bulbs. I'd like to find some that are more in the 4100 to 4500 K range. Maybe even mixing the two together.

I have also cut more venting holes into the enclosure and turned up the output of the fan. Yesterday, after I messed with it some more I kept the temp down to 88.6 degrees F. SO maybe this is workable. But if not, I'm going to have to do something. This high temp thing is not good.