Is it time for new bulbs?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by JJL, May 30, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,818
    I have had my bulbs for 9 months now. They are T5s, but Red Sea's vervion of T5's (RSM 130D). Is it time to change them?
    Thanks
    JJL
     
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    I would say over due. I don't think the quality of OEM bulbs are that great. Buy ATI, UVL, KZ and Geisemann bulbs as replacements.
     
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    #2
  3. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2010
    Messages:
    2,249
    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    I dont know much about the Red sea version of T5, but most T5's are good up to a 1.5 years, from what i heard. Although, i dont really go buy how long or hours..I go buy after about 7 months(with my halide) I will look at the bulb and look for blacked out edges, if the ends on the T5 have a black ring around the ends then its most likely an old bulb.

    Are they still bright? Or are they dimming? any flickering?
     
    Zoanthids21, May 30, 2011
    Zoanthids21, May 30, 2011
    #3
  4. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2010
    Messages:
    3,014
    Location:
    Michigan
    I like the ATI line, same as Giessman but cheaper. I replace my bulbs every 6 months, but every 9 would be OK with some better quality bulbs.
     
    thepanfish, May 30, 2011
    thepanfish, May 30, 2011
    #4
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    6 to 12 months seem to be the safest range for T5HO bulbs. Pure actinics for around 6, blues for around 9 and daylights for around 12. I go 6 to 9 with all of my bulbs.
     
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    #5
  6. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,818
    Thanks for the answer.
    I think I HAVE TO go with the same RSM 130D bulbs because those are the only ones that fit. Is this correct? I could be wrong, but I think there is a special fixture.
     
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,818
    They still seem to be bright, but it is hard to tell because I see my tank everyday so a small change I would not notice.
     
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    #7
  8. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    Those are not T5 bulbs they are Power Compact. UVL offers power compact bulbs, I suggest getting theirs. They wattage may be list as 65. It will work fine in your fixture. You will want to change those bulbs every 6 months like clockwork especially if you have high light corals.
     
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    2in10, May 30, 2011
    #8
  9. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,818
    Ok 2in10, thanks
    I think they might be T5s though, but it is confusing
    (I might be wrong...IDK)
    Red Sea MAX 130D | Specification

    I have successfully been able to GROW some SPS under them, and people I know with the same tank have healthy anemones under these lights so maybe these are not the ordinary PCs if they are PCs....? Please look at the lighting under specs.......I am honestly not sure
    Thanks
    JJL
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2011
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    JJL, May 30, 2011
    #9
  10. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2010
    Messages:
    3,014
    Location:
    Michigan
    Don't PCs cause algae?
     
    thepanfish, May 30, 2011
    thepanfish, May 30, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 2