Bulb Changing (T-5)

[NewfieReef]

How often should I be changing out my T-5 bulbs?

 

[jeepinreefer07]

How often should I be changing out my T-5 bulbs?

What kind of ballast is running them?

 

[jeepinreefer07]

What kind of ballast is running them?

And or fixture?

 

[solitude127]

also, how many hours a day are you running your bulbs

 

[marinerfr]

i am also curious i have a 4x39w current nova extreme t5ho light

 

[NYCBOB]

i run my t5 sunpower 8 hours a day. i replace the bulbs every 12 months.

 

[rtparty]

i am also curious i have a 4x39w current nova extreme t5ho light

Does that model have a fan?

I would say every 9-10 months on a Current fixture. If there is no fan, every 7 months.

How long do you run your lights?

 

[jeepinreefer07]

Does that model have a fan?

I would say every 9-10 months on a Current fixture. If there is no fan, every 7 months.

How long do you run your lights?

Agreed if the fixture runs hot the bulbs go bad quicker. They began to give off a red spectrum and promote algae blooms.

 

[dixiedog]

Agreed if the fixture runs hot the bulbs go bad quicker. They began to give off a red spectrum and promote algae blooms.

Can you point me toward any actual data on that? Not saying I don't believe you by any means, it's just something I've always been curious about.

 

[rtparty]

Can you point me toward any actual data on that? Not saying I don't believe you by any means, it's just something I've always been curious about.

I don't have any lab studies or anything like that to show you but I do know the phosphors used to create "blue" light die the quickest. The actinic and blue phosphors are the "weakest" while the daylight phosphors tend to be stronger.

 

[jeepinreefer07]

Can you point me toward any actual data on that? Not saying I don't believe you by any means, it's just something I've always been curious about.

I cant find the orginal source I learned this about 2yr ago. However I have found some articles that mention the same thing. Here is one

http://www.corals101.com/index.php?...-light-bulbs&catid=34:coralarticles&Itemid=56

 

[NewfieReef]

I am running the following fixture: Coralife 48 Inch AquaLight T5 HO Fixture (2-54W)

I am running this for 8h a day.

 

[rtparty]

I am running the following fixture: Coralife 48 Inch AquaLight T5 HO Fixture (2-54W)

I am running this for 8h a day.

If not properly cooled, change bulbs every 7-8 months.