Handling 2.80 plus shipping 6.74 = total of 9.54 if I order three fixtures (from Menards). Don't know if I'll need the third but I'd probably get it just in case. The retail of each is 29.98 but the "on-line" price is 19.98 each. I'm going to check at the store to see if by chance they are the same price in the store.
Yes, I'm using the 72 cell trays. I don't know how many seeds will germinate or how many seedlings I want to attempt. Four trays would get me 288 cells. I have over 1000 seeds even after giving some away. So, I just may use a six trays.
Below is a comparison T5 vs. T8 that I just found on the internet. Not that I even understand all of what they say but it seems that most of what I read on the internet often relates to how they "light up a room" vs. what we are using it for.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Both the T5 and T8
T5: Advantages
##Better Light Control.
##Smaller Cross Section and Size.
##Smaller Ballasts.
##Various Lengths.
##Good Color Rendition Availability.
##Good Color Temperature Availability.
##Better LPW (lumens per watt) Efficacy.
##Better Photometric Performance.
T5: Disadvantages :
##Differing Lumen Outputs Among Manufacturers.
##Changes in Light Output Between Enclosed Luminaries and Bare Lamps.
##Changes in Light Output Between Indirect and Direct Luminaries.
##Vertical versus Horizontal Burning Variables.
##Lumen Variations between 25 degrees and 35 degrees Resulting in a gain or loss of 10% light output.
##Reduction of Lamp Life when PS is Not Used (IS is good for long-term use).
##Position and Temperature Sensitive.
T8: Advantages
##Industry Work-Horse.
##Come in Various Color Temperatures, Color Renditions, and Lengths.
##Less Fragile When Compared to a t5.
##Easy to Use For Replacing t12s.
##Energy Efficient.
##Good Lumens at ‘End of life’.
##Uses PS When Sensors are Deployed.
##Costs Less Than the t5s Now.
T8: Disadvantages
##The IS and Sensors Reduce the Lamp Life.
##The Lamp Contacts Cannot be in Contact with Grounding Areas.
##Lamps Fail When Replaced Without Shutting Power Off.
##Lamps are Incompatible With Ballasts.
##Lamps Fail When Not Being Used in the Ambient Temperatures They Were Designed For.
##The Ballast Factor
Final Thoughts: It comes down to the fact that a t5 creates more usable light than the t8. Even though that’s true, it is not so superior that it renders the t8 as being obsolete like the t12.
