If you want to grow them to where they produce ripe peppers, will they provide 25,000 lux to the plant? If so, yes!

Mike

Im using 4, 4' long t5's right now and I've lowered them but not within 4 inches. This is my first year trying them and I don't know why im having these issues. I've been reading about the closer the better but mine are about 12 inches away. When I had them hung around 4-8 inches away they would be clamming up into a "Y" shape and eventually, some closing up completely, to warm and/or bright im assuming. They would last for about 8-10 hours before doing this though. Anyway there about 10 or so inches above right now and most have grown enough and seemed to toughen up to it that close no problem. seems like when they get there first true set of leaves it may help (not sure though). Anyway you should let me know if you (or anyone) has had the same experience. I just cant keep my lights that close. Honestly things look a bit stronger and better this year but for raising seedlings i'de almost even go off a cliff and say that rather then building this nice perfect box for them i'de rather have stuck w/ my t12's! Last year i'de leave 4' t12's on 12 or more hours as close as possible NO problems at all and had really good looking seedlings. I'll be raising two more flats and so far my vote is to use my t12's and compare again. sounds crazy from what i've read but im sort of thinking the t5's are overrated and giving me more problems. whatcha think im doing wrong, doesn't seem right to me either. ;)

It sounds like it might be too much heat. The T-5's do put off more heat. Try placing a small fan to blow across the tops of the plants. That should disperse the heat.