How Far Should T5 Grow Lights Be From for Seedlings?

Should you start seedlings with natural light or grow lights?

Natural sunlight is a mix of all wavelengths, from those that plants can use to those that are of no use at all. Whilst plants have thrived under natural light for millions of years, our scientific understanding of how plants respond to varying wavelengths and color spectrums has resulted in the production of specific synthetic horticultural grow lighting.

These synthetic grow lights have been carefully engineered to transmit the specific wavelengths plants respond best to during the different phases of their growth cycle. For example, a blue spectrum grow light will help boost vegetative growth. This is where fluorescent grow lights come in to play.

T5 fluorescent grow lights are one of the best types of lights you can use to grow any kind of plant, from vegetables to the most delicate flowers. This is because T5s are extremely efficient, allowing you to save money on electricity while still providing bright, powerful light. They also have features you can customize to build the perfect set-up for any size and type of indoor garden.

Many indoor growers are already familiar with the virtues of T5s, but even if you know your T5 fixtures and more or less know how they work, you might need help with some things, because specifics like color temperature, hanging height and light cycles might not be as easy to figure out.

T5 Grow Light: Distance From Plants

Hang T5 fluorescent fixtures on chains 6 to 12 inches above the top of the plants, making them adjustable and allowing the light to be raised as the plant grows. Use reflectors and mirrors above and beside lights to reflect light back on the plant.

Fluorescent lights don’t get nearly as hot as other types of lighting, so you can get them extremely close. In fact, as long as they are not touching the plants, you should be fine (with mature plants).

The T5 fluorescent grow light distance for seedlings should be a bit further away.

I’d start by hanging the light 6 to 10 inches from seedlings. Use the same distances whether you are using a large T5 fixture or just a regular fluorescent light bulb.

Best T5 Fluorescent Grow Lights for Sale

Hydrofarm Agrobrite T5 Fluorescent Grow Light


With maximized coverage due to steel housing and rated at 8000 lumens, Agrobrite T5 Fluorescent grow light system is one of the best of its kind.

Its light is quite powerful and can be made more efficient by using it with other setups to increase coverage. It is also an added feature that Agrobrite Fluorescence Light system is not that roomy and can fill up quite easily in your garden. So once you buy it, everything comes in order itself.

Eco Farm Compact Fluorescents T5 Grow Tubes



The Eco Farm T5 fluorescent bulb, that is optimized towards delivering the essentials of a great grow light. You may require several of these if you need a better coverage though.

When you consider the amount of power you get from T5 grow lights and the impressive quality from a well known brand such as Apollo, this is an excellent deal.