So I've been thinking about setting up a 2nd grow space, or just putting a light up and vegging out in the open room. The main two things I'm looking at are T5 Fluorescents, and LED lights. From what I gather, the T5's are going to produce less heat, and cost less up front. The LED lights will cost more initially but will have substantial power savings. The LEDs will produce more heat, but they will also produce more light and a fuller spectrum.
This lamp is only $54 on amazon with all the bulbs included. It would likely be enough to do the trick for what I am needing, but is it enough to do what I want? Which is produce the best!
This T5 takes 125 watts and produces 10k lumens of light.
Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100 V2 Quantum Board
The HLG 100 is another light I've been looking at. It produces more light for less power than the T5 Fluorescents. I expect it will also produce more heat. It costs nearly 3x the T5 at $149
The HLG 100 uses 96 watts and produces over 15k+ lumens.
Are there any other lights you would recommend for a small 2.5 x 2.5 ft grow space?