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In hydroponic farming, the right lighting is like fuel for your plants—it powers their growth and health.
With advances in LED technology, tube lights such as T5, T8, T10, and T15 have become popular choices for growers because they’re energy-efficient and can be customized for different crops.
But with so many options, it’s easy to wonder: Which tube size is best for my setup? What are the differences between them?
This guide will help you understand the strengths and ideal uses of each tube size so you can pick the perfect lighting for your hydroponic system.
Whether you’re a hobbyist growing a few herbs or running a commercial farm, this guide has practical advice to make your lighting choices easier.
The letters and numbers might seem a bit technical, but they’re actually pretty straightforward. The “T” stands for “tube,” and the number refers to the tube’s diameter measured in eighths of an inch.
As the tube gets bigger, it usually means more surface area for LEDs, which can mean more light output and sometimes better heat dissipation.
Generally speaking, bigger tubes like T10 and T15 can produce more light because they have more LEDs packed in or larger LEDs. That means better coverage for bigger grow trays or denser crops.
But size isn’t everything. Efficiency matters too.
Sometimes a well-designed T8 tube can be almost as bright as a T10 but uses less power.
So when choosing, consider:
The right tube should balance bright enough light with energy efficiency to keep your costs reasonable.
Plants aren’t just looking for bright light; they need the right colors. Different parts of the light spectrum affect how plants grow. For example, blue light helps with leafy growth, while red light encourages flowering.
Most LED tubes come in different spectrums:
With customizable LED tubes, you can pick or adjust the spectrum based on what you’re growing, making your lighting setup smarter and more effective.
Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide which tube size fits your hydroponic farm:
T5: Great for small systems, seedlings, or leafy greens like lettuce and herbs. Their thinner size is perfect for tight spaces and gentle lighting.
T8: A solid all-rounder, ideal for medium-sized setups. It offers good brightness and efficiency for many crops.
T10: Suited for larger growing areas or crops that need more intense light. These tubes can cover bigger trays or racks.
T15: The heavy hitters for commercial growers who want maximum light output and efficiency. If you have a big farm, these can deliver the power you need.
Before buying, check if your existing fixtures match the tube size. For example, a fixture made for T8 tubes might not fit a thicker T10 or T15 tube without modification.
Switching from fluorescent tubes to LED tubes? Make sure your ballast is compatible or consider ballast bypass kits for better efficiency.
Also, mount your tubes at the right height—usually between 6 to 12 inches above the plants—to ensure good light penetration without burning leaves.
Initial prices vary: bigger tubes or more customizable options often cost more upfront. But don’t forget to factor in:
Energy savings over time (LEDs use much less power than traditional lighting)
Longer lifespan means fewer replacements
Improved crop yield and quality thanks to optimized lighting
In many cases, investing a bit more on the right tube pays off quickly in lower bills and healthier plants.
Ever come across a super cheap T8 grow light online that promises 36 watts of ultra brightness—light up your whole grow room!?
Sounds like a great deal, right?
Hold up. Don’t hit that “Buy Now” button.
We’ve had customers go for that exact combo—high wattage + low price—and here’s what happened: They installed the lights, and boom—the tubes ran hot, like a space heater.
Room temperature spiked, they had to crank the AC, and on top of that, their electricity bill went through the roof. Worst part? The lights started to dim out or fail way sooner than expected.
Why?
Because T8 plant light tubes simply are not built to handle 36 watts. The diameter is too small for proper heat dissipation. Pushing that much power into them creates excess heat, which stresses the components, shortens lifespan, and affects plant health too.
Structural limits: T8 tubes have a diameter of just 25mm. That narrow space makes it difficult to manage heat, especially when the LED chips are densely packed.
Poor heat dissipation: Most T8s use glass or plastic casings, which don’t conduct heat as well as aluminum housing. This traps more heat inside the tube.
Real-world effect: In tests, a 36W T8 tube running for extended periods can reach surface temperatures of over 65°C (149°F). This kind of heat can significantly shorten the driver’s lifespan and cause premature LED degradation or dimming.
Tube Type | Ideal Wattage Range | Max Recommended Wattage | Notes |
T5 | 8–20W | ≤ 24W | Best for seedlings, herbs, or tight spaces. |
T8 | 12–24W | ≤ 28W | Great all-rounder. Avoid 36W versions—too hot! |
T10 | 20–36W | ≤ 42W | Suitable for stronger light needs, larger trays. |
T15 | 30–50W | ≤ 60W | Designed for heavy-duty, commercial-scale use. |
Choosing between T5, T8, T10, and T15 LED grow light tubes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding what each tube offers and matching it to your hydroponic setup and crop needs, you can create an efficient lighting environment that helps your plants thrive.
Remember, good lighting is an investment in your farm’s productivity and your peace of mind. Pick wisely, and watch your hydroponic garden flourish!
Fra skræddersyet lysplanlægning til skræddersyede tilbud og alt derimellem er vores team af gartnerieksperter altid klar til at hjælpe.
Mitt LED
Guzhen, Zhongshan, Guangdong, Kina
WhatsApp: +86 180 2409 6862
E-mail: info @ vantenled.com
Vi er en professionel LED-plantelysproducent, forpligtet til at bruge teknologi til at øge lampens maksimale potentiale, kontinuerligt maksimere fordelene for avlere og spare energi for planeten.
