T5 Lights

[orgtizz]

I've been seeing a lot on here about switching the bulbs in a T5 system. My question is, can you do this with all T5 systems or only a select few? I currently have the Nova Pro Extreme (individual refractors) 6x54watts. Can I change the lighting make-up in them? If so, what would be best for a well rounded tank (60x24x18)?

Last question; how long does the average bulb lest before it needs to be changed?

[reefscape15]

I assume your asking about changing bulbs because of color temp. I have a Nova extreme 24" 4 bulb that came with 2 10k and 2 460s. It looks good ok until you change the bulbs. i switched to a 12k, reef blue 10k, 460, and 420 and it looks 10 times brighter and more vibrant. Just adding a bigger selection of color brings out a lot more of your tank. with a 6 bulb you have even more options! I prefer a very blue look and if you like that too i would get (1) 12k, (3) reef blue 10k's, a 460 and a 420. Go with anything but coralife bulbs because they're t-5 don't produce as many watts for the length of the bulb (e.g. current 24" = 24watts, coralife 24" =20watts)

[divewsharks]

Go with ATI or UVL, they are the best performing in general, there are some others like the GE6500k or KZ Fiji Purple or some Geissman (sp?). You'll want to change bulbs at least yearly, and this all fixtures.
If you were overdriving the bulbs then you would need to change more often.