T5 replacements
- Thread starter darrencon
- Start date
Mekaeel
Moderator
Hmmm, and ive heard/read of guys changing bulbs every 6 months. This is the problem with T5's they need to be changed frequently as compared to MH's.
The best way to actually know when the bulbs need replacement is by using a PAR meter. But sadly i believe they are highly priced.
The best way to actually know when the bulbs need replacement is by using a PAR meter. But sadly i believe they are highly priced.
viper357
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Me too, especially on the overseas forums.
Mike
Retired Moderator
9 - 12 months is the "norm" but yes, if you have lots of salt creep it won't help the output.
Mekaeel
Moderator
Ditto Mike.
Wipe the bulbs every 2-3 weeks for best light penetration.
Wipe the bulbs every 2-3 weeks for best light penetration.
Mike
Retired Moderator
viper357
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That's really profound Irie Ivan - tell us more
Yeah, stop with the mono-syllable responses and explain yourself.
For example, is there a difference in the timeline of changing T5 tubes if you were running an SPS dominated setup as opposed to an LPS/Softy setup, or a frag tank for that matter, if the frag tank were shallow (say 30cm's) then would you be able to use the lights for longer? Does the penetration diminish or the PAR or both or is PAR and penetration the same thing?
Less jah and more munch please
Mike
Retired Moderator
Screw the lights i want Irie Ivan to tell us about different astral plains, right?
If you are running T5 as your primary light source, then your time has come and gone. If they are supplementing halides then change them when they crawl into a corner and the spark of life leaves their tired overworked bodies.
your time has come and gone. If they are supplementing halides then change them when they crawl into a corner and the spark of life leaves their tired overworked bodies.
Edited post - misread Sunbursts comment - sorry about that.
Darrencon - I have heard the same 6-12 months - dont leave them too long or the dreaded Cyano can sneak in....
Darrencon - I have heard the same 6-12 months - dont leave them too long or the dreaded Cyano can sneak in....
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If you are running T5 as your primary light source, then
Yes 9-12 months i am going to pay a **** load when i got 2 change 8x8owatt t5s i am ****ting my self,got to rob a bank to do it
I say 12-14 months, and I overdrive mine on IceCap ballasts. In my case, I have toyed around with different bulbs until I found what I liked. This trial period means I only have to replace one or 2 bulbs every 3 months.... 6 bulbs total, just different replacement times.
Sorry I just can`t see your logic why not just use 2 or 3 halides?Makes no sense at all to me except that maybe the guy who sold them to you is a good salesman.
Mekaeel
Moderator
Zookeper, Imarine has the ATI Power Module. It houses 8* 80W bulbs.
But without doubt, when you mix the bulbs (different colors) you will be amazed with the results over your reef.
But without doubt, when you mix the bulbs (different colors) you will be amazed with the results over your reef.
*Marc climbs onto soap box*
Zookeeper, while the costs of replacement are high, the long term ROI is pretty good in cooling and electricity, and whats ths cost of the MH bulbs when they need replacing? I have a closed hood on my tank, and thus cannot run MH - the T5's alone have me battling with heat, but I can control it - MH would make the purchase of a chiller a given.
You should see my tank under the 15000K Geisemann and 8000K ATI's bud - flippen awesome - and no salesman sold it to me as I built the rig myself. The coverage for T5's in a tank is far better than MH IMO too.
*Marc off soap box*