T5 bulbs

[scrboy]

Opinions on when to change out T5 bulbs. Had the current ones for about a year now, one aquablue, two 12k and one pure actinic. A year next month. So how often to change them out? Thanks.

 

[ServantSoldier]

Giesemann recommends replacing their actinics every 2, and others every year. I would change in sequence, not all at once.

 

[Pitcom]

Giesemann recommends replacing their actinics every 2, and others every year. I would change in sequence, not all at once.

We Called Geissemann from our LFS. They reccomend 1 year for blue (actinic) bulbs, or slightly less. 2 years for white bulbs. Lifetimes can change dependant on wheter or not you have a fan cooled fixture allowing the bulbs to operate cooler. I just had to replace my dawn/dusk actinic bulbs in my tek fixture after 9 months of usage. The bulbs were discolored and the tank lost alot of color. Popped in new bulbs and couldnt believe the difference.

 

[scrboy]

So the actinic can stay for another year, guess it's time to change out the others soon. Thanks