T6 Lighting Anyone?

[TheMainer]

Recently I have been trying to talk myself into get a T5 lighting setup to replace my current overdriven T8 system. In my search for knowledge I came across T6 lighting which I found to be quite intriguing.

T6 lights fit in the standard T12/T8 pin connection yet they have the ability to produce T5 output! They range from 32-54 watts depending on the ballast you use (a T8 or a T5). I could easily just buy a new T5 ballast and a few T6 lights and use my existing lighting fixture. The only downside I see would be my lacking reflectors.

T6 upgrade: $30 ballast + $20 (2 x T6 light)
T5 retro kit: $105 (2x54w)

Any thoughts?

 

[Orion]

Doesn't matter what you get, without efficient reflectors you'll be throwing your money away.

I've not seen the T6's, and would be interested in seeing how well they work out.

 

[TheMainer]

I was afraid of that. I have just been using the cheap strip light setups you can get at homedepot for the past couple years. Never experienced good light before!

I came across a forum where someone had a few pictures and talked about their experience so far. I will try to track it down again.

Does anyone have experience using these lights? I am just curious if they really are as good as T5's.