Replacing T5 Bulbs - Aquarium Advice

ajbully · 04-20-2008, 03:25 PM

Typically how long do the 54 watt T5 bulbs last? I have had mine for 13 months now. Should they be replaced? They are on 9 hours a day.

cmor1701d · 04-20-2008, 04:29 PM

I have heard 12 -18 months. If they are not over-driven then I guess you can expect about 15 months of use at 9 hours a day. Others may chime in with more knowledgeable answers.

**roka64** · 04-21-2008, 12:07 PM

I replaced mine after about a year, but didn't notice any difference. You just reminded me to buy a light meter so I can actually see the length of time it takes for the spectrum to change. I will say this. When you change them, make sure the fixture is cooled down, otherwise you risk breaking the end caps (like I did). I would do it in the morning before the lights come on.

neilanh · 04-21-2008, 02:31 PM

If you get a light meter let me know, I have some experiments I'd like to run with it

**Ziggy953** · 04-21-2008, 03:01 PM

Cmor is correct typically T5s will last 12-18 months as long as they are not "over-driven". I run mine for 12 hours per day and will probably replace them at the 12 month mark.

**roka64** · 04-21-2008, 04:13 PM

Will do neilan!

Fish Dude · 05-05-2008, 01:49 PM

You know, I have T5's and love 'em. They last, are affordable to purchase and build a tank around,do not generate a lot of heat,you can keep and grow darn near anything in the ocean, and they create a very nice lighting effect on the tank. Oh yeah, and energy efficient to boot.

Why doesn't the entire hobby put down their power compacts (replace every 6 months and are expensive), metal halides (Require a lot of power, are very expensive and degrade quickly in comparison, Ohh and generate a ton of heat) and Led's (New technology costing a ton of money to impliment effectively)

The T5 is the perfect lamp and fixture. a 4 barrell 54 watter (48in) with bulbs can be had for $200. Talk about making a reef tank affordable to set up. It's the light that keeps everyone from taking the step because they are so darn expensive to purchase up front.

pitt420dude · 05-05-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Dude

You know, I have T5's and love 'em. They last, are affordable to purchase and build a tank around,do not generate a lot of heat,you can keep and grow darn near anything in the ocean, and they create a very nice lighting effect on the tank. Oh yeah, and energy efficient to boot.

Why doesn't the entire hobby put down their power compacts (replace every 6 months and are expensive), metal halides (Require a lot of power, are very expensive and degrade quickly in comparison, Ohh and generate a ton of heat) and Led's (New technology costing a ton of money to impliment effectively)

The T5 is the perfect lamp and fixture. a 4 barrell 54 watter (48in) with bulbs can be had for $200. Talk about making a reef tank affordable to set up. It's the light that keeps everyone from taking the step because they are so darn expensive to purchase up front.

- Brought to you by the National HO T5 Association.

Just kidding, lol. I love em too.

04-20-2008, 03:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
ajbully Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 23	Replacing T5 Bulbs Typically how long do the 54 watt T5 bulbs last? I have had mine for 13 months now. Should they be replaced? They are on 9 hours a day.

04-20-2008, 04:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 3,562 Images: 43	I have heard 12 -18 months. If they are not over-driven then I guess you can expect about 15 months of use at 9 hours a day. Others may chime in with more knowledgeable answers. __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

04-21-2008, 12:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,628 Images: 12	I replaced mine after about a year, but didn't notice any difference. You just reminded me to buy a light meter so I can actually see the length of time it takes for the spectrum to change. I will say this. When you change them, make sure the fixture is cooled down, otherwise you risk breaking the end caps (like I did). I would do it in the morning before the lights come on. __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott Last edited by roka64; 04-21-2008 at 12:21 PM. Reason: moving thread to Hardware section.

04-21-2008, 02:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
neilanh MTS Advocate Community Mentor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,566 Images: 15	If you get a light meter let me know, I have some experiments I'd like to run with it __________________ ~Neilan In the DC Metro Area? Check out GWAPA Look, I have a My Info Page! Where's yours? Useful Links: Vote for AA, Nitrogen Cycle, Fishless Cycling, Articles, Acronym List

04-21-2008, 03:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 3,091 Images: 5	Cmor is correct typically T5s will last 12-18 months as long as they are not "over-driven". I run mine for 12 hours per day and will probably replace them at the 12 month mark. __________________ Happy Reefing! *120 Build in progress 6/18/08* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here! Pods, algae and more!

04-21-2008, 04:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,628 Images: 12	Will do neilan! __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

05-05-2008, 01:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fish Dude Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 37	You know, I have T5's and love 'em. They last, are affordable to purchase and build a tank around,do not generate a lot of heat,you can keep and grow darn near anything in the ocean, and they create a very nice lighting effect on the tank. Oh yeah, and energy efficient to boot. Why doesn't the entire hobby put down their power compacts (replace every 6 months and are expensive), metal halides (Require a lot of power, are very expensive and degrade quickly in comparison, Ohh and generate a ton of heat) and Led's (New technology costing a ton of money to impliment effectively) The T5 is the perfect lamp and fixture. a 4 barrell 54 watter (48in) with bulbs can be had for $200. Talk about making a reef tank affordable to set up. It's the light that keeps everyone from taking the step because they are so darn expensive to purchase up front.

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