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changing MH/T5 bulbs


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So I was wondering what schedule most use....I use 2 DE 250W 14k Phoenix bulbs and 2 T5 UVL super actinics over my DT...I always used to change the MH out every 6 months but was recently seeing that a lot of people go 9-12 months before changing....and T5 a full 12 months....I decided to try it and its been 8 months and I just ordered bulbs because I just cant go any longer LOL...too many years at the 6 month interval I suppose....

 

what schedule does everyone else do? I am curious...

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My T-5 unit has eight bulbs in two banks. I alternate switching out one bank every six months, which means I replace individual bulbs on an annual basis. I had planned to switch banks at 9 months, but that became too hard to track :blink: . It seems to be working, most everybody in the tank appears to be healthy, happy, and growing appropriately.

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Annual seems about par from all the threads I've read. If you overdrive your bulbs, I'd cut that down to 9 months, even more if you don't cool them.

 

Halides are generally good for a year. I hear you can push it a few months if you have a "gentle" electronic ballast, but I plan to replace mine at the 1 year mark.

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