Is it time for me to replace my bulbs?

fasteddie99 · 03/06/2009, 08:51 PM

Sorry, but I started a thread in the lighting forum but didnt get any responses.
Am I ready for replacement? About 9 months into existing bubs.
Also, Can someone point me in the right direction as to where to buy and what name brands should I be looking at? Its a Nova T-5 216 watt, 2 actinic, 2 10k...oh yeah, its 48"

Thanks Eddie

thegrun · 03/06/2009, 09:02 PM

10 months to a year is the general rule of thumb.

josbur63 · 03/07/2009, 06:11 AM

I would agree that you should replace them every year.I currently have an 8 bulb nova extreme t-5 setup,and it seems corals started going downhill when I waited too long to replace my bulbs.I purchased my bulbs from reefgeek.com.They have many to choose from,and if you send them an e-mail they will give you suggestions on what they believe will work best.

crvz · 03/07/2009, 08:55 AM

I've overdriven my T5 bulbs for over 18 months without noticeable issues. On a nominally driven setup, I'd probably go at least that long. Unless you have a problem (or you have cheap bulbs), I'd wait quite a while. Though the nova units don't come with a great bulb, so you may consider it for that reason. UVL, ATI, Geissmann, and other high quality brands should last you well more than 9 months. I'd also recommend reefgeek.

fasteddie99 · 03/07/2009, 10:56 AM

Ok thanks. I will wait a few more months and then start looking. Thanks for the reefgeek reference too.

03/06/2009, 08:51 PM	#1
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	Is it time for me to replace my bulbs? Sorry, but I started a thread in the lighting forum but didnt get any responses. Am I ready for replacement? About 9 months into existing bubs. Also, Can someone point me in the right direction as to where to buy and what name brands should I be looking at? Its a Nova T-5 216 watt, 2 actinic, 2 10k...oh yeah, its 48" Thanks Eddie

03/07/2009, 06:11 AM	#3
josbur63 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 135	bulbs I would agree that you should replace them every year.I currently have an 8 bulb nova extreme t-5 setup,and it seems corals started going downhill when I waited too long to replace my bulbs.I purchased my bulbs from reefgeek.com.They have many to choose from,and if you send them an e-mail they will give you suggestions on what they believe will work best.

03/07/2009, 08:55 AM	#4
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I've overdriven my T5 bulbs for over 18 months without noticeable issues. On a nominally driven setup, I'd probably go at least that long. Unless you have a problem (or you have cheap bulbs), I'd wait quite a while. Though the nova units don't come with a great bulb, so you may consider it for that reason. UVL, ATI, Geissmann, and other high quality brands should last you well more than 9 months. I'd also recommend reefgeek. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

03/07/2009, 10:56 AM	#5
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	Ok thanks. I will wait a few more months and then start looking. Thanks for the reefgeek reference too. __________________ 125 gal LED lighting Super Reef Octopus XP-3000 SSS Current Tank Info: 125

03/06/2009, 09:02 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	10 months to a year is the general rule of thumb.