Bulb Questions in Regards to DX18 (dimmable)

[BobbyCline]

1) What’s the lifespan for bulbs that are only being used a few hours of the day at partial capacity?

For example, I run T5 at 40% for 4 hours each day. I have 2 ATI Blue Plus and 2 ATI True Actinic. LED‘s cover the rest of my lighting schedule.

2). When it’s time to replace bulbs, what is creative method to “burn“ them in? Running them at 100% over my tank for the required 50 hours would not be ideal. Assuming most people use a separate fixture to do this, or is there perhaps some way to safely cover the T5 bulbs (in the DX 18 above my tank) for the 50 hour burn in duration?

Thanks,

Bobby

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

BRS did what I thought was a good review of lamps and their life expectancy. Dimming and nondimming fixtures. Link below.

(3) How often should we change T5 bulbs? Part I | BRStv Investigates - YouTube

Take a look at around the 9:00 mark. They discuss the dimming.

We do not currently have a cover for the fixtures. But maybe an inexpensive T5 shop light to burn them in. I happen to use T5 HO lamps in the garage lights???

 

[BobbyCline]

BRS did what I thought was a good review of lamps and their life expectancy. Dimming and nondimming fixtures. Link below.

(3) How often should we change T5 bulbs? Part I | BRStv Investigates - YouTube

Take a look at around the 9:00 mark. They discuss the dimming.

We do not currently have a cover for the fixtures. But maybe an inexpensive T5 shop light to burn them in. I happen to use T5 HO lamps in the garage lights???

Excellent info thanks!

 

[SPS2020]

I swapped out my old fluorescent fixture in my master bedroom closet for a dual T5 fixture. I pop in two new bulbs and leave them on for 50 hours, then they're ready for the DX18. It does look a little strange with two Actinic or BluePlus bulbs in the closet though. ;-)