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View Full Version : How Do You Know When To Change Bulbs?


Kdocimo90
05/30/2009, 06:32 PM
How can you tell when it is time for your T-5 bulbs to be changed? I have a 14 bulb constellation fixture and that is going to be a pain to replace bulbs in (cost wise that is)

Sk8r
05/30/2009, 06:39 PM
Best to write a proposed expiration date for equipment in 2 places, in your logbook for tests, and on the bulb itself, in this case, especially if you get mixed up during a bulb change.

I cannot answer you for t5: not as often as MH, which can go 6-8 months. Someone will tell you< but you DO want to note that by a jotted notation, not by the fact your tank is not doing as well and you can't remember when you last changed out.

Kdocimo90
05/30/2009, 06:42 PM
Yeah I understand, I just dont know what the general expiration length for T-5's are.

nikon187
05/30/2009, 07:05 PM
i change mine yearly. ( T5 that is)

Kdocimo90
05/30/2009, 07:08 PM
Oh it's been ~1 year for me. Time to fork out ~$350 for new bulbs :(

dots
05/30/2009, 07:11 PM
UV lighting company, states their buld life is 4500hrs.

http://uvlco.com/t5vho.jpg

Kdocimo90
05/30/2009, 07:22 PM
cool thanks for that info. I've got ~4000 hrs on them all, so i'd say its about that time

Indymann99
05/31/2009, 10:01 AM
I could visably tell the difference in my 96w PC lights when I changed them after 12mo. 1 of my bulbs burned out so I was going to just change them all... however my LFS only had 1 bulb so I put that in.. WOW what a difference. Much better after I replaced the other 3 bulbs a week later.