T5 Replacing Bulbs

[sbash]

I have an old 6 bulb Current T5 light just sitting around. I last used it a while back and it seemed fine on the LPS and RBTAs I had in there.

I want to fire it up again on a small zoa system. How do we know when the bulbs need to be changed?

 

[Salty1962]

If it's "old" and you don't know how many months are on them, I would replace them all to be safe. ATI bulbs are very good.

 

[sbash]

If it's "old" and you don't know how many months are on them, I would replace them all to be safe. ATI bulbs are very good.

Thanks, I probably will do that. However, my question still stands

Perhaps I will be more clear.

What happens to merit the need to replace the bulbs? It it an intensity issue, does the spectrum start to fade (actinic flattens out, leaving a poor white:blue balance), etc...

 

[Salty1962]

Thanks, I probably will do that. However, my question still stands

Perhaps I will be more clear.

What happens to merit the need to replace the bulbs? It it an intensity issue, does the spectrum start to fade (actinic flattens out, leaving a poor white:blue balance), etc...

The bulbs loose their frequency output. It usually leads to poor coral growth and increased algae growth. Try this thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t5-bulb-lifespan.273700/

 

[sbash]

The bulbs loose their frequency output. It usually leads to poor coral growth and increased algae growth. Try this thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/t5-bulb-lifespan.273700/

Oh perfect, thanks!