t5 high output lights

weaselbean · May 20, 2016

What would be the best distance between tomato seedlings and the t5 ho lights?
I read somewhere no less than 4 inches and no more than 24. I had them set about 1 inch and it seemed too close. It gets pretty warm under there. What say you???

wildcat62 · May 20, 2016

I had mine set that close at one point earlier this Spring. I think it would depend on temp. in your growing space.

jillian · May 20, 2016

You want your seedlings as close as possible without touching. T5 HO lights only put out minimal heat.

dmforcier · May 20, 2016

"minimal heat"? Compared to what? T5HO puts out enough heat to damage leaves in contact - not like the old T12s. Otherwise your advice is good - close as possible without touching. (This assumes that there is an air mover in the vicinity...)

jillian · May 20, 2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmforcier

"minimal heat"? Compared to what? T5HO puts out enough heat to damage leaves in contact - not like the old T12s. Otherwise your advice is good - close as possible without touching. (This assumes that there is an air mover in the vicinity...)

dear God, are we really down to this? well please let me rephrase. In MY experience, I raised over 100 seedlings under T5 HO lights and the plants are thriving. I kept them as close as possible, some actually did touch the lights before I got them planted out. Those seedlings are now producing fruits.

Labradors2 · May 20, 2016

I have T5 HO lights and I've burned some leaves that touched. It's not a huge deal, but I'd prefer not to do that so I try to keep them an inch or two away.....

Linda

JaxRmrJmr · May 20, 2016

I grow mine in the house, so it's always pretty much 75 degrees. I put my lights about 2 inches above my seedlings. They will burn when they touch the light, but it's not real bad.

weaselbean · May 21, 2016

Well I checked the temperature under the lights at 2 inches and its about 85 degrees, so I think Ill keep them about 2 or so from the bulbs.

Next year instead of buying a heat mat Ill just put my seed tray just under the lights and they should germinate nicely at 85. Save buying a mat

habanero · May 21, 2016

Well Weaselbean, I keep my t-5 about an inch from the seedlings. I have the same experience that everybody else has. I use a heat mat. I've crisped a few leaves when I was forgetful but no big deal. They recover fine. Good luck!

May 20, 2016	#1
weaselbean Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: nc Posts: 57	t5 high output lights What would be the best distance between tomato seedlings and the t5 ho lights? I read somewhere no less than 4 inches and no more than 24. I had them set about 1 inch and it seemed too close. It gets pretty warm under there. What say you???

May 20, 2016	#2
wildcat62 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2014 Location: Zone 6 Northern Kentucky Posts: 1,094	I had mine set that close at one point earlier this Spring. I think it would depend on temp. in your growing space.

May 20, 2016	#3
jillian Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: North Carolina Posts: 880	You want your seedlings as close as possible without touching. T5 HO lights only put out minimal heat.

May 20, 2016	#4
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	"minimal heat"? Compared to what? T5HO puts out enough heat to damage leaves in contact - not like the old T12s. Otherwise your advice is good - close as possible without touching. (This assumes that there is an air mover in the vicinity...)

May 20, 2016	#6
Labradors2 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 3,896	I have T5 HO lights and I've burned some leaves that touched. It's not a huge deal, but I'd prefer not to do that so I try to keep them an inch or two away..... Linda

May 20, 2016	#7
JaxRmrJmr Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jax, FL - 9A Posts: 172	I grow mine in the house, so it's always pretty much 75 degrees. I put my lights about 2 inches above my seedlings. They will burn when they touch the light, but it's not real bad.

May 21, 2016	#8
weaselbean Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: nc Posts: 57	Well I checked the temperature under the lights at 2 inches and its about 85 degrees, so I think Ill keep them about 2 or so from the bulbs. Next year instead of buying a heat mat Ill just put my seed tray just under the lights and they should germinate nicely at 85. Save buying a mat

May 21, 2016	#9
habanero Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: phoenix az Posts: 21	Well Weaselbean, I keep my t-5 about an inch from the seedlings. I have the same experience that everybody else has. I use a heat mat. I've crisped a few leaves when I was forgetful but no big deal. They recover fine. Good luck!