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05/08/2012, 10:14 AM | #1 |
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Location: Ventura County / So Cal
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T5 bulbs
How often do you guys change your bulbs? I am running 8 x 39 Watt (36") T5 bulbs with a (2) IC 660 ballasts. I usually run my lights around 5.5 hours.
I've heard people changing them every 6 months but its starting to get expensive. Usually, a bulb goes out around 6 months and is there a general rule? Also, does the total time the bulb is running matter?
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05/08/2012, 11:27 AM | #2 |
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I change mine every 10 - 11 months. What type of cooling do you have for your lights? Any fans one the bulbs?
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05/08/2012, 11:35 AM | #3 |
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I change my T5 bulbs every 10-11 months as well. I only run them 6-7 hrs/day with canopy fans on each end of the fixture. I change them when I notice lots of uncharacteristic cyano and algae growth.
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05/08/2012, 11:55 AM | #4 |
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10 months here, but i like to change my bulbs 2 at a time and not all at once.
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05/08/2012, 12:22 PM | #5 |
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No cooling for my lights. I guess this affects longevity?
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MASVC Board Member (2013-14 Treasurer) ---------------------- Current Tank Info: 180 Glass Tank (6'x2'x2') with a Bubble King Mini 160 (on the second Red Dragon pump), Korallin 1502, Apex w/WXM, Ecotech Radion G1 w/TIR lenses, (2) Ecotech MP40w (one w/ES upgrade) w/Battery Backup, (2) Jebao WP25, Jebao DC12000, 55g acrylic sump |
05/08/2012, 12:30 PM | #6 |
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Overdriven bulbs like you have will only really last 3-4 months with no cooling. When they burn out at 6 months they are long past due actually.
Even cooling them isn't going to do too much. Your biggest problem is the IceCap ballasts. I would try and sell those and get new ballasts that are meant to run the T5 bulbs to spec.
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05/08/2012, 12:50 PM | #7 |
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Yes the bulbs are overdriven by the ballasts. If I still decide to continue using my T5 setup, would I need to change the wiring or is there a plug in place replacement for the IC 660?
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MASVC Board Member (2013-14 Treasurer) ---------------------- Current Tank Info: 180 Glass Tank (6'x2'x2') with a Bubble King Mini 160 (on the second Red Dragon pump), Korallin 1502, Apex w/WXM, Ecotech Radion G1 w/TIR lenses, (2) Ecotech MP40w (one w/ES upgrade) w/Battery Backup, (2) Jebao WP25, Jebao DC12000, 55g acrylic sump |
05/08/2012, 01:04 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+ |
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