Quote Originally Posted by stefpix View Post
Since I started growing a few monts back my electricity bill went up 20 / 30 a month

i got 2 2 T12 bulbs fixtures in 2 separate spots - so it is 40 w x 4.
then I run 4 24 W CFL and one 22" T5 undercabinet that is 14 W i believe.

I saw T5 fixtures oncl tubes at the home store for about 30 bucks or so -
it may be half of the wattage of the T12 but it looks brighter - even in photograph...
probably spending 80 bucks more than a T12 for a T5 is worth in the log run as it may pays itself off...

Orchidlady and Dougroc how much were your setups?
I seem to recall it being around $160 with the Philips Alto bulbs, but last time I was there it was a bit more. The local hydroponic store usually gives you a discount if you show up for cash, so I may have saved some money there.

I did see a noticeable improvement in the health of my plants after switching to my T5 system, but I still think if you do the math T8 is a better deal. (Again I was somewhat constrained on space) For a larger scale I have heard that MH or HPS is even more efficient, but at much higher cost.