T5s

How often should i change my bulbs

 

Hi Damsels r Cool
Ive heard 12 months recomended often , simply as the colour temp starts to shift as lamp gets older, so your not providing the spectrum you might think you are after this time

Steve

 

I have also read 12 mo. I started to have some GHA at 7 mo. so I replaced them then. I saved the old bulbs though!!!!! Just in case.

 

i was told 12 months also. and to change them singly, not all at once. because of the new lights being that much stronger. dont want light shock i guess you could say

 

Buried in Dr. Fragenstien's post: http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/t5s-q-54866.html is a good explanation as to how often and why. In short, a T5 bulb, run on a standard ballast is likely to hold out in the neighborhood of 18 to 24 months... run on Ice Cap ballast & over driven...will need to be replaced in as little as 12 months if you keep them cool, less if you don't...

 

My fixture carrys 2 bulbs a Antic and a 10000K what do i do?

 

I have a Current Nova Extreme 2x18W. Since I do not trust the Current bulbs, I am replacing them out every six to eight months. Higher quality bulbs I will leave in for 12 to 14 months.

 

john what replacement bulbs did you use

 

You could change one at 10months and the other at 12.
This will give sufficent time for your corals to adjust.
Also you could change them both at the same time and just not leave them on as long in the first month or two, to let them adjust that way