New T-5 Flourecent Lighting

[JonnySkoflaw]

There is a company in canada building "mini grow rooms". There name is Suncell, They are using a new flourescent that utilizes an electronic ballast. The pros are no heat created by the lights, and they are suposed to have a faster "flicker" rate that is not noticed by the plant.

I calculate they are getting aprox 40,000 lumens (aprox) with 8 tubes.

 

Here is my question.... has anyone looked at this "new technology", if you have do you feel these tubes are a viable option for growing and flowering, or is this just hype? I apreciate your feed back as I am thinking of buying some to try and I really don't want to waste cash.

[gunjaponic]

You should be able to source electronic ballasts, and heaps of different types of tubes in Australia.

 

If you find an electronic ballast, and have a sound knowlege of electrical, you should be able to replace your existing iron core ballast with an electronic one.

 

Try your local electrial wholsaler like L&H, Rexel, TLE etc

 

Regards

Gunjaponic

[JonnySkoflaw]

Are electronic balasts a "new" thing? Does the lack of radiated heat make them a viable option to metal halide..high preasure rig of say aprox 1000 watts? Apreciate any replies I just think it would be perfect for an apartment setting and a lot safer , if it has the balls to bud that is my question.

[Luke Skywalker]

I believe these are the "envirolights" yes?

 

Check out this thread...

[OldmanMozz]

the electronic ballast cost a shitload (T5) unless your gonna run a 1000 of them your money would be better spent in HID an ventilation, IMO

 

cheers an cones Mozz

[burgerdude]

check out www.pot-tv.com ... grow show #10 is all about this tech

[JonnySkoflaw]

Thanks for the info Moz, I saw the segment on pot tv that Burger Dude mentioned, thats what got me thinking but Marijuana Man was pretty cool ( as usual) about not having a for sure on this, the plants they show have tons of leaves, as well as the web site for the manufacturer .. lots of leaves, but I have yet to see any buds shown under these lights. Apreciate any and all info, But I only want the lights and ballests, I will build the rest myself, Have used halide and sodium lights in the past, but the thought of safe cool light has me drooling for something better. I can dream can't I? How about LED lighting wouldn't that be a dream,

run your room off 9 volt batteries?