Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Can I use T5 grow bulbs in a 4ft shop light from Lowes or Home Depot?

I don't see why not as long as it matches the watts of the ballast and size of the bulbs (can't put t5s in t8s or t12s).

My guess is it's not designed for T5's. Probably made for T8 bulbs - these will also work for leafy greens and aren't quite as expensive.

This is a thread on another forum that might be of interest to you - http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1309848/

Scotty - Thanks! Good reading! I may try my own little experiment.

Keep in mind that the plants have to be very close to the bulbs with this type of lighting (but not touching). It makes it difficult to grow plants with large variations in height. Some people have overdriven the bulbs using a couple of ballasts. I don't know if this is a good idea but you can find a video and wiring diagram for this sort of thing. The wiring diagram is a link off the comments under the video. Use at your own risk -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJncJmkQPtM

LED grow tubes are a better option. A little more money up front, but more production and cost savings on the back. Can convert t-5 to t-8 bulbs with new tombstones.

My local costco had these yesterday

http://www.costco.com/Feit-LED-4%E2%80% ... 35288.html

The color spectrum on those will be best from seedling to a few months old. Fruiting can be done with those but this is where these bulbs will leave you wanting more red spectrum.