Replacing bulbs?

[Jon Fishman]

Am I over-thinking it?

I have to deal with my UV sterilizers, but that’s another problem.


I have 2 aquatic Life 48” fixtures, so 8 bulbs total. I bought double bulbs when I got the setup.


Issue: I have no idea how long I’ve had the lights, so I have no idea how old the bulbs are. Do I replace them at some point, or do you only replace bulbs when they burn out?

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Replace them. use sharpie to write the date of replacement on the end of the bulb.

Done.

 

[Treefer32]

Yes, according to tests BRS has done, the bulbs decrease actual light intensity by 50% (approximately) within 12 months. And it goes down from there. I've had my T 5 bulbs for 2 years now. They still light, but, it's going to be a change to have new bulbs in. The thing saving me is I have 3 AI 52 LED lights with my 60" Aquatic life fixture.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Yes, according to tests BRS has done, the bulbs decrease actual light intensity by 50% (approximately) within 12 months. And it goes down from there. I've had my T 5 bulbs for 2 years now. They still light, but, it's going to be a change to have new bulbs in. The thing saving me is I have 3 AI 52 LED lights with my 60" Aquatic life fixture.

I'm sorry, but this is incorrect. The bulbs were found to drop around 20% at the 18 month mark. BRS recommends changing at 18 months. You could likely go 2 years without much issues.

 

[jda]

I would use them for 2 years without any issue. If you don't know how old they are, then prioritize the swap... I make it near a major event or holiday so that I remember... Valentines Day, 4th of July, New Years, or whatever.