Replacing T5 Bulbs

[ajbully]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Ziggy953]

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]

Will do neilan!

[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.

[pitt420dude]

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.