T5 life span

[walvis]

Whats the average bulb life span on a T5 based on 8hrs a day?
Some manufactures claims 10-12mnds.

Thanks,James

 

[nanojg]

Quality bulbs that are properly cooled will last 12 months at least

 

[walvis]

I use Geisemann T5 80watt in a Giesemann Matrix fixture which does not come with cooling fans.
Plan on getting Apogee MQ-200 PAR Meter in near future to take out guessing...

 

[nanojg]

Nice, keep us updated when you get that meter!

 

[clockman]

I just replaced four 48" uvl bulbs that had been running for 18 months for 12 hrs a day. They were over driven to about 80 watts a piece off of an Icecap ballast. They were still bright but I thought I'd better replace them.

 

[NYCBOB]

u cant see the dimness of t5 bulbs. as a rule of thumb, change bulbs at least every 12 months. i change mine every 12 months. if i have sensitive corals, u shouldnt wait more than 12 months. by the time th corals start showing deterioration, it could be too late. the only way to check a bulbs par is with a lux meter.

 

[rtparty]

In a non cooled T5 fixture like a Giesemann I would be replacing them every 6-7 months. Properly cooled T5 bulbs last 12 months for most setups.

 

[ynotb]

+1 I have two T5 fixtures, one with fans (48" 6-54watt on a 75) and one without (72" 6-80 watt on a 125). The fan cooled setup bulbs definitely outlast the set up without a fan. 6 months vs 12 months

 

[TSJSREEF]

I agree with the above, I would schedule your bulbs to be changed once every 12 months unless you notice a problem earlier.

 

[Gtt1988]

if your fixture does not have fans change bulbs every 7-8 months. if you have fans change every 12 months

 

[JustinM]

I don't have a cooled fixture but change one bulb every 3 months on a 4 bulb fixture. Thinking of getting a azoo cooling fan and blowing across bulbs, better par and longer life.

 

[salty joe]

I don't have a cooled fixture but change one bulb every 3 months on a 4 bulb fixture. Thinking of getting a azoo cooling fan and blowing across bulbs, better par and longer life.

I did not realize that operating temp affected spectral output. That's really interesting. Does operating temp also affect intensity? Any cxhance you have a link about such things?

 

[JustinM]

I'll find it and post it, but from what I recall it is 95-110 degrees.

 

[JustinM]

http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/lat5/pc10.asp

Here is one, not the original but it will do.

 

[alton]

Great post and replies, the only thing I have to add if you use lamps like coral life you are wasting energy and money because they don't last. I use UVL and Giesemann. The wavepoint lamps in my 36" fixture seem to be doing okay so far?

 

[salty joe]

Thanks Skocker. If you happen to run across the other link please post it.

 

[rtparty]

If you want to see the effects of not properly cooling T5's, this is the link you want.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235

ATI's seem to be the best bulbs for the money. I have used Giesemann, ATI, KZ, UVL, Current USA and Hagen.

My order goes like this

ATI
KZ

If I must I will use the rest in this order

Gmann
UVL
Current USA
Hagen

The last four brands I listed all have lower PAR and I just have never been impressed. ATI and KZ have the highest PAR you are going to find and ATI just beefed up their bulbs so they hold color even better now.

 

[JustinM]

I can't find it for the life of me but look at page 9 of that link and there is a lot of good info about cooling T5HO from Grim.