That set up in the first picture is awesome - but I would need 2 of those. I have a set up similar to yours. I got two shelved off amazon, $50 each, 2 grow lights, $50 each, plus 2 smaller grow lights, ~$20 each. So, instead of $600 on two of those nice set ups I've spent about $240. Honestly though, I probably need another grow light.

I'll post a picture in a second...

A bulbs T is the distance size of the plug in part

What your really looking for the bulb color brightness and is measured in K Example 5000 K 6000 K Keep in mind that brightness 5000 K color and brightness 6000 K come in bulb sizes T 8 and T 5 and a few other sizes

For winter succulents that need the same K color brightness I preference bulbs that use the lowest wattage used while aiming for maximum K color brightness. Making seasonal adjustments with bulb distance and timer(s).

That is a good looking set-up. If keeping plants in LR or any living area, that looks pretty good. I get away with 'cheep' wire shelves and 'cheep' CFL light bulbs in sockets and lighting strips since they are in the basement.

I may not be remembering correctly, but I looked at the T5HO fixture with 4 tubes in Hydro store and think it was about $200-$250? Maybe I am wrong.

With the rack that I have, I can only fit two bulbs per level. For T8s, it's either the cheap Lithuania for ~$20, or hydrofarm and others around $60+ per. It would obviously be cheaper to get the T8, but only by about $20 per fixture at that point.

I have (8) 21" trays of haworthia, and (2) trays of ech/agave, so it would be 5 levels - each needing their own fixture.

I really can't figure this out.

A) $300 for t5 rack/6 lights + (2) 4FT 2bulb T8 @ $30/ea = $360
B) (2) FT 2bulb T5 @ $100/ea + (3) 4ft 2bulb T8 @ $30/ea + $60 Rack = $350

So, I either have two racks in scenario A, with more T5 lights or I have one monster rack with a mix of bulbs in scenario B.

I would go with Option A. The rack looks quite nice with built in height adjusters and the fixtures look like they can take T5HOs (54Wx2).

You could also opt to splurge a little more and upgrade those 2xT8's to 2xT5HO's. 4ft bulbs are also most cost effective than 2ft bulbs.

Sue - Can you post a photo of your setup? I'd love to see it and your plants!

I ended up going with A. Turns out I am able to fit almost all of my plants in that setup because the depth is about 4" greater - so, I can hold an extra 40+ 4" or lots more 2" and 3". Will post pictures soon. It looks awesome!