T5 Burn in Question

[dbl]

Being new to the T5 scene, I have a couple questions. The research I've done seems to be a little conflicting. Forgive me for the very basic questions that I'm sure the T5 users have answered a 100+ times.

It's my understanding new bulbs need to be '"burned in" somewhere between for 50 and 100 hours. Which ever is correct, is this necessary if they are not going to be dimmed?

If they do require a burn in if not being dimmed, can it be done on an inexpensive T5 fixture say from HD or Lowes?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Crabs McJones]

As a recent user of t5s I'm also curious about this

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

No. They do not need to be burned in if you are not dimming.
That’s per ati.

 

[Alfrareef]

Never burned mine, but I don’t use dimmable.

 

[jda]

Just put them on and use them. After 50-100 hours, the true spectrum and output will be achieved, but you likely never see any difference anyway.

The only thing that you need to know is that a PAR meter might register a bit higher with brand new bulbs than they do the next week. No big deal... just remember this and account for it in your mind or in your posts. This is also true with MH or any light source with phosphors (LED too).

 

[Smite]

No need to burn them in with a separate fixture. Just don't go swapping all bulbs at once when it's bulb change time, that may shock some coral.
In my 8 bulb ATI I'd swap two at a time a few weeks apart.

 

[rtparty]

No burn in needed if dimming isn't being used.

An ATI actinic will actually go up in PAR after the burn in period. Change 2 bulbs a week and you'll be set.

 

[dbl]

Thanks all for the comments. No burn in and spread out replacements. I just switched over from LED's a few weeks ago and am loving the new light.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[rtparty]

Thanks all for the comments. No burn in and spread out replacements. I just switched over from LED's a few weeks ago and am loving the new light.

Thanks again for your help.

My experience says you won't be switching back either...

 

[Smite]

I did but still have a love for t5 and sps that's for sure