Cost effective indoor lighting?

[Machinist]

My current indoor system uses 4 t5 high output lights and 4 t8 lights. I have had these fixtures for a while from when I grew aquarium plants. I'm planning on expanding in the future and looking for the most cost effective light(s) to purchase. I want the lights to be good, but not super expensive. So any thoughts on going HPS, MH, or sticking with fluorescent ? Or other options?

[silver_acid]

I would say it depends on what you are growing, fruiting and flowering plants need more light like a MH or HPS depending on what stage your plants are in, MH is more blue good for growth. HPS is more red good for flowering. your T5 and T8 will grow any herbs or greens just fine,

[Trewarin]

Hi mate, send me a PM and I can point you in the direction of some threads from other forums that are quite full of info on this.

[Yabbies4me]

No need to direct anyone anywhere… it's been covered extensively here on numerous occasions, on a number of threads. All that is required is quick search of "Lighting" or "Grow Lights" or "Metal Halide" or "High Pressure Sodium"… should turn up a few threads where it's been discussed and results posted by members that have trialled different types of lights.

[Yabbies4me]

Here's one thread about grow lights that also contains links to a number of other threads that have discussed grow lights and forum members experiences/results: http://www.aquaponics.net.au/forum/s...t=Metal+Halide