T5 Bulb Life

D

DJS819

This may be a silly question, but does anyone have anything on the useful life of bulbs? 5382 post returned from search are too many to wade through :)

How long do T5 bulbs last before you are supposed to replace them?
MH? PC?

Not only do I want to know when to replace my bulbs (about 9 mos old now) but also to compare for my next purchase.

Thanks!
 
I replaced mine at 11 months. I hear you can go 12 months. But I also heard that usually the last month is when they decrease the most. So instead of risking it I went and switched at 12 months since T5 is all I run.

I have a mix between UVL, ATI, and GE. My configuration is a 6 bulb and I got it configured from the GrimReefer on ReefCentral.com who is a T5 expert.

With a 10% discount I got 6 bulbs shipped to me from ReefGeek for 104.00 with shipping. it was a great deal.
 
Depends on the bulb and the ballast. Cheaper bulbs wear out quicker. Overdriving bulbs shortens their life by about 1/3. These fixtures also need active cooling. Cooling will increase both the performance and lifespan of the bulb. The consensus is 9 months at the max, even for the best florescents. Some even now are suggesting 6 months.
 
Your ballasts, bulb brand and light cycle play a role.. so there is no hard and fast rule. T-5's can last awhile, up to a year in some cases. I routinely change mine out at 6-8 months though because I would rather replace bulbs than have a spectrum shift.

MH's I replace at 8 months regardless.

VHO's about every 6.

PC's when I used them, about 4-6 months.
 
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