Lighting for ~ 21' x 26' Bay

[k-os]

I purchased my first house a little more than 2 months ago. I'm looking to re-do the lighting in the 2.5 car section. I'd prefer something that I can surface mount. Ceiling is covered in 7/16" OSB. Below is a picture with some approximate dimensions. The 2.5 car section is 21' x 26'. 10' ceilings. Main use for the garage will be motorcycle maintenance, repair, and building. I will be painting the walls and ceiling a very light grey.



There are currently 3 fixtures in the garage. Not exactly sure what this style/size is called. They're bigger than a T12 and the bulbs have a wave shape to them. I think they came from the company that the PO worked at. One of the fixtures has a pretty wicked buzz from the ballast and I don't think they're rated for cold start as they've been tripping the breaker a couple times when turning on cold.


I purchased 25 of the Chinese eBay LED tubes with plans of using them, but after laying some out (3 rows of 4) on the floor I don't think it will be enough light. See picture below.


I'm debating on whether I want to go with T5 or T8 fixtures. I used an online calculator if I were to use these 8 Foot 4-Bulb T8 fixtures. For a requirement of 100 footcandles it came out to 10 fixtures. Using Sketchup I laid out 8 fixtures evenly. 2 Wide, 4 deep. I'll upload this picture when I return from work.

Does anyone have any suggestions if I would be better to go with 4 bulb T5 fixtures, or stick with my plan of the T8's?

 

[Platonic Solid]

You probably have the classic "Vita-Lite" with "Power Twist" lamps. Fairly pricey back in their time - if memory serves.

With your ceiling height (appears to be <= 10ft) you'd be better off using F32T8s.

The Metalux SNF series you linked to puts the lamps very close together (less efficient). Their SSF series has better lamp spacing.

OT: Can that chimney pipe be moved up some? That would drive me nuts.

 

[k-os]

You probably have the classic "Vita-Lite" with "Power Twist" lamps. Fairly pricey back in their time - if memory serves.

With your ceiling height (appears to be <= 10ft) you'd be better off using F32T8s.

The Metalux SNF series you linked to puts the lamps very close together (less efficient). Their SSF series has better lamp spacing.

OT: Can that chimney pipe be moved up some? That would drive me nuts.

You're correct. My ceilings are 10 feet, 3 inches. I edited my first post to add this information that I missed. I'll take a look to see if any of the local hardware stores stock the non-narrow series. Thanks for the suggestion!

Yes, I'll be moving the chimney pipe up. Once the heating oil runs out I'll be getting natural gas piped in and mounting a heater near that corner.