T5 Tubes Darken

[Davoaldo]

Is it normal for a T5 tube to darken at the ends as they age?

How slow should this happen? 3month? 6month?

Or should change it once there is dark area at the ends of the tube?

Do blue tube burn out faster then white ones?

[lizie58]

starting to burn out time to replace could darken faster with heat? mine darken between eight months to a year i had a white burn out before a blue.

[atvdave]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428386#post13428386 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Davoaldo
Is it normal for a T5 tube to darken at the ends as they age?
Yes, it is normal.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428386#post13428386 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Davoaldo
How slow should this happen? 3month? 6month?
Not to sure, but T-5 bulbs usually last from 12 to 18 months before they loose too much PAR to no longer be of any value,

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428386#post13428386 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Davoaldo
Or should change it once there is dark area at the ends of the tube?
I don't think so. As long as it's only at the ends.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428386#post13428386 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Davoaldo
Do blue tube burn out faster then white ones?
yes. actinics burn out quicker than others, as a norm.