T5 Bulb Life?

[Darkstar22]

I have always had metal halides...how often do you T5 guys change out the bulbs for maximum illumination?

 

[nikon187]

every 9-12mths on average

 

[redfishsc]

+1, agreed.


I generally will run mine the full year unless they appear to be "struggling", or are a cheapo that comes with some fixtures like the Current stuff. Their bulbs look OK but their PAR is lacking, and it can only get worse with time.

 

[Darkstar22]

OK thanks....I was wanting to know because I want to try T5's, but was debating on 1 metal halide or 4x24w T5's over a 20L. MH bulb replace every 9-12 months @ $70-$80 per bulb, T5's 4x$20 per bulb. About the same for the bulbs per year, but less energy, and allot more color choice...thanks for the info!