Poll: How often do you change bulbs?

[dbl]

This poll is directed to the users of T-5's. Curious how often you change your bulbs. Do you have a set schedule and simply change them, or do you watch the light levels and only change them when you notice deterioration in light?

Please describe your methods/reasoning below.

 

[Brian W]

Every year

 

[mckinleyw]

Using led now... Back when i did us T5 i would change them out once a year usually around tax time.

 

[cracker]

I voted 11 to 12. Iv'e had this T5 fixture for a year now . Just ordered my 1st round of replacement bulbs. I will do a par test before & compare to the test I ran when They were brand new. Curious to see if there is a difference.

 

[mwilk19]

Bulk Reef Supply did a video on this not too long ago. They found that replacing your bulb every 12 months was sufficient.

 

[rtparty]

With T5s I've always changed around the 10-12 month mark. After the latest BRS testing, I'll push mine closer 18 months more than likely

 

[Crabs McJones]

I haven't had mine long enough to even change them once ;Hilarious
However, I have seneye, and at a year I plan on testing my lights and changing them at that point based off of the results

 

[dwolson]

How do you test the lights?

 

[Crabs McJones]

How do you test the lights?

I use the Seneye, it reads both Par and spectrum.

 

[Reefinny Verified Sponsor]

Black Friday!

 

[brwaldbaum]

I replace them when they burn out.

 

[Amps Reef Life]

I run a Hybrid fixture you can see it in my build thread. I change my bulbs every 9-11 months. I like to switch them a little before a year as they do tend to lose some par as the age. That's just my personal preference. I ALWAYS replace the bulbs slowly so that I don't shock my corals with the new bulbs. One bulb every two days.

 

[DSC reef]

We replace the T5 bulbs every year, sometimes a month or 2 past the year mark.

 

[Kim Andersen]

24ish months or so

 

[siggy]

New to T5 and have a ways to go....So when should I start looking at the bulbs

 

[GoVols]

Oushing an Hybird, now...

But (lol) I never go over 9 months, but for the most part, every six months

 

[BigJohnny]

Every 8-10 months. Even though they last longer they do change and par is reduced. Even if the change is minimal I try to keep everything as stable as possible, including lighting.

 

[radiata]

Bulk Reef Supply did a video on this not too long ago. They found that replacing your bulb every 12 months was sufficient.

If you're changing out your T5s at less than 14 or 15 months, this video may save you some money...

 

[BigJohnny]

If you're changing out your T5s at less than 14 or 15 months, this video may save you some money...

The results of that one test are certainly not conclusive, for several reasons. That is just one scenario and only uses certain bulbs, photoperiods, and conditions. There are many variables that impact bulb life and I've seen significant changes in spectrum and par in 12 months. Just something to think about.

Whether or not it will impact the tank is another story, but the longer you go the slower I'd replace them to prevent shock. Just my two cents

 

[radiata]

The results of that one test are certainly not conclusive, for several reasons. That is just one scenario and only uses certain bulbs, photoperiods, and conditions. There are many variables that impact bulb life and I've seen significant changes in spectrum and par in 12 months. Just something to think about.

Whether or not it will impact the tank is another story, but the longer you go the slower I'd replace them to prevent shock. Just my two cents

Agreed, you should only replace one T5 at a time...