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What is T5 Light

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is T5 Light

A T5 light (T5 fluorescent light) is a type of lighting fixture, particularly used in the context of growing plants. The “T” in “T5” refers to the shape of the bulb, which is tubular, while the “5” indicates the diameter of the light socket, measuring ⅝ of an inch. T5 lights are known for their high output and are often used as an alternative to high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. They offer a softer light output compared to HID bulbs, making them suitable for applications where a more gentle and diffused light is desired. T5 lights use fluorescent bulbs that are coated with phosphorus and filled with argon gas and a small amount of mercury.

The functioning of T5 lights involves electrodes at either end of the bulb electrifying the gas inside the tube, causing free electrons to move from one electrode to the other. This process results in the production of light. The charge vaporizes a small amount of the mercury inside the tube, generating ultraviolet (UV) photons. The phosphorus coating on the inside of the bulb converts the UV emissions into visible light.

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T5 lights are famous for their customizability. They allow for the mixing and matching of various color temperatures and wavelengths, providing growers with the ability to tailor the light output to the specific needs of their plants. Different color temperatures correspond to different wavelengths of light, which can have varying effects on plant growth and development. For example, bulbs with a color temperature of 2700k emit a “warm” orange glow with lots of red wavelengths, which is suitable for flowering plants. On the other hand, bulbs with a color temperature of 6400k emit a “cool” white/blue glow with plenty of blue wavelengths, which is beneficial for vegetative growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Put a T5 Bulb in a T8 Fixture

T5 fluorescent tubes cannot be directly substituted for T8 fluorescent tubes in a fixture. The reason for this is that the pins and ballasts used to operate the bulbs have different spacing. Similarly, the opposite is also true.

Can I Replace a T5 Bulb With an LED

T5 LED tubes are readily available for various types of operation, including plug-and-play, ballast bypass, or hybrid operation. Plug-and-play tubes can be easily installed by removing the existing fluorescent tube and plugging in the LED tube, as they are compatible with the existing ballasts.

What Are T5 Lights Good For

Single and dual-bulb T5 grow lights are suitable for various purposes such as supporting seed propagation, nurturing clones and seedlings, and cultivating a small herb garden. These specific T5 fluorescent lights may not emit excessive energy, but their lower output is advantageous for the growth of smaller plants.

Why Are T5 Bulbs So Expensive

T5 fluorescent bulbs tend to have a higher price compared to other lighting options due to the need for a ballast to regulate the current. Nevertheless, the potential energy savings often outweigh the initial higher cost of purchase.

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