T5 bulbs and the life span

RogerWilco357 · Feb 16, 2011

do T5 light bulbs have the same life span? would a 60inch bulb last just as long as lets say A 48 inch bulb or 24 inch bulb? Currently using a 6 foot ATI PM. And yeah to replace 8 bulbs won't be cheap. How long do your bulbs last and what size do you use?

justinm · Feb 16, 2011

I have a 24" fixture and aim at changing 1 bulb every 3 months. It is a 4x24. So that is once a year I guess. In your case I would say 2 bulbs every 3 months. I am unsure if a 60" bulbs last longer or not as long, maybe someone else can chime in. I wouldn't think it would make a difference. Doesn't the ATI PM have fans? If so that will def help in the life span of the bulbs.

dougers31 · Feb 16, 2011

I have heard that changing them out every 8-10 months is best. I plan on changiing out one bulb at a time starting at month 10 and every 2weeks replacing another(fan cooled fixture hopefully)

re-fin-away · Feb 17, 2011

I am planing on changing mine out starting at 9 months. I plan a doing 2 bulbs every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. I dont want to stress anything out in the tank with a new blast of fresh bulbs.

Alattner · Feb 17, 2011

i have always heard between nine months and a year. personally i only run my for nine months then toss em

dougers31 · Feb 17, 2011

Alattner said:
i have always heard between nine months and a year. personally i only run my for nine months then toss em

in the recycling bin right... Seriously there is mercury in those bulbs.

AquaWorldPSC · Feb 17, 2011

Usually we change the ones in the store every 10 months, The over driven ones every 5-6 months.

I would imagine that bulb length doesn't matter because it just has more watts.