F32watt T8 vs F40watt T12

[TBarb]

I am wondering if the larger T12 40 watt bulbs produce more lighting than a T8 32 watt bulb given you are comparing the same bulbs?

The T12's are a bit cheaper but if the T8's give our the same light output then I would be inclined to switch to the T8's.

Any thoughts???

[BigDaddy]

There's only about a 200 lumen difference between a F32T8 and an F40T12.

Now, T8 are more effecient than T12s.

So, the question is what is more important to you:  200 extra lumens (2800 instead of 3000 [on average]) or a cheaper electricity bill.

[darkdep]

I'm building a new light fixture in a new canopy, and I did this debate with myself too.  I'm going with T8's.  Seems to me that the electricity savings are very worth it.

[TBarb]

Thanks BigD. I will check the bulbs tonight. I may just swap fixtures/bulbs to the F32T8 setup.

[TBarb]

Ok so I went to HD yesterday and compated the T8s and T12 4ft bulbs. Depending on the type of bulb the lumens can be in favour for either T8 or T12. I chose to get a "Sunshine" and "Daylight Delux" 5000 and 6500k. Lumens for one was much better and the second was about 200 lumens below that of the T12. I think it is very worthwhile and cost effective change to the T8's.