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matan_grin
01/25/2008, 12:33 PM
i have a 7 months old t5' setup including 8 bulbs-
when should i change the bulbs and should i change them all at once?

Phanman1
01/25/2008, 01:34 PM
they are good for a year but most ppl i know change them after 10months just in case....

matan_grin
01/25/2008, 04:45 PM
tnx..and should i change all the bulbs at once?

atvdave
01/25/2008, 05:46 PM
As with many things on this board you will get many different answers.

I let my T-5 bulbs go for 1.5 years before I change them out. Also it all depends on if there overdriven or not also.

If you using IceCaps ballasts then they are probably over driven and need to be changed every 8 months or so.

rtecanoe
01/26/2008, 10:04 AM
I wouldn't change all the bulbs at once, there is a good chance you could bleach your corals by them getting a much brighter light all at once. I learned this from experience!! I would change two, wait a week change two more etc.

barjam
01/26/2008, 10:20 AM
I know people say that T5s can go 1.5 to two years I noticed mine had lost a serious amount of punch (blue plus anyhow) after 8 months. Fortunately I only use T5 for supplemental now so I have a supply of used blue plus that will work just fine ;)

Michael
01/26/2008, 10:24 AM
even though i am a novice marine fishkeeper, i am a 40 year old electrician who knows about t5 lamps, in my opinion change all the lamps once a year, even though they seem bright they actually do wear out and i am sure you will notice the difference if you cahnge them annually