|
|
|
08/13/2010, 09:15 PM
|
#1 |
|
Not Likely 2 Ever Grow Up
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Nowhere you've heard of
Posts: 650
|
T5 HO Bulb Replacement Question
We have a 48" AquaticLife T5 HO fixture that was purchased new and put into service at the beginning of Feb. I'm thinking it may be time to replace the bulbs, so I have a couple of questions...
1) Replace them all at once, in pairs or 1 bulb at a time? 2) Current bulb config has 2-54W 420/460 Lamps & 2-54W 10,000K Lamps (+ 4 1W lunar LEDs) - replace with the same thing, or is a different combination better? 3) What supplier/LFS/on-line store has the best price on bulbs? 4) Is there a particular manufacturer that is better/lasts longer than others? Thanks in advance! Jennie |
|
|
|
08/13/2010, 10:08 PM
|
#2 |
|
Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Lyles, Tn.
Posts: 1,436
|
love to know this my self,i have 3 used bulbs right now and thought of buying a new good bulb to make up a 4 bulb system.....i was told ati bulbs are the best by more then one person
__________________
Mario |
|
|
|
|
08/13/2010, 11:51 PM
|
#3 |
|
Not Likely 2 Ever Grow Up
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Nowhere you've heard of
Posts: 650
|
The only bulbs I've ever purchased are the Coralife standard florescent bulbs you can get at PetSmart... and I'm assuming PetSmart is not the place to go for T5 HO bulbs!
However, I am curious about bulbs being shipped... is it better to order a spare in case one arrives broken? Or are they packed well? We had a nightmare of a time getting the AquaticLife fixture. Ordered from F&S - 1st one had smashed bulbs - they sent replacement - smashed bulbs in second unit - they sent replacement - 3rd unit had smashed bulbs... gave up & special-ordered from AC.
__________________
Jennie Current Tank Info: AllGlass 90G, 30G DBP Custom Sump, AquaticLife T5 HO w/ lunar LEDs, AM TurboFlotor Blue 1000, 2 Koralia #3s, CPR HOB 4.75g Refugium, LR, LS, Mixed Reef |
|
|
|
|
08/14/2010, 06:18 AM
|
#4 |
|
Moved On
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Spring Hill, TN
Posts: 4,674
|
FYI, T5's are good for up to 18 months of service without losing very much performance. You can change them if you want but it's really just a waste of $$$$ That's why they use them versus M/H
Bill |
|
|
|
|
08/14/2010, 04:36 PM
|
#5 |
|
Not Likely 2 Ever Grow Up
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Nowhere you've heard of
Posts: 650
|
Good to know... didn't realize they lasted that long! But w/o any type of light meter wasn't sure how to tell when they need replacing.
__________________
Jennie Current Tank Info: AllGlass 90G, 30G DBP Custom Sump, AquaticLife T5 HO w/ lunar LEDs, AM TurboFlotor Blue 1000, 2 Koralia #3s, CPR HOB 4.75g Refugium, LR, LS, Mixed Reef |
|
|
|
|
08/15/2010, 05:38 AM
|
#6 |
|
Registered Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Franklin, TN
Posts: 1,331
|
The bulbs should come in a long cylindar hard cardboard tube and then be wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and then each bulb should be in a thin cardboard sleeve. Ive order numerous bulbs, I think Ive only had one break when they are packed like this. Hope this helps some.
__________________
My drug dog is smarter than your honor student. I'll keep my Guns,Money and Freedom. You can keep the "Change". Current Tank Info: 125 tank and 125 sump |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| 36" T5 HO bulb layout question -Help- | leoandlori | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 3 | 05/22/2010 12:19 AM |
| T5 ho bulb question | adamBomb | Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment | 2 | 04/04/2008 11:36 PM |
