How often do you change your T-5 bulbs?

[acrouse]

I would like to know how long T-5 bulbs typically last. How do you tell when a bulb needs changed. I have the Aquatinics Constellation 14 bulb fixture.

thanks in advance
jolene

 

[zlwags85]

I would ask Grim on the T5 Q and A thread, but from what I have read... typically a year is reccomended. If you are overdriving the bulbs, < 1 year. Some people do go more towards the 1.5 years+ from what I've seen.

How do you tell? I would think that the only real way would be to test the PAR when you buy the bulb and see if it goes down and when it hits a thresh hold, replace the bulbs. Maybe someone smarter than I can chime in!