• Replacement of T5 and MH lamps. Mini-survey.

  • Danielle8118

I couldn't find a similar topic in the marine section, but this question will probably be of interest to many. The lamps are from different manufacturers, and their lifespan is likely different as well. Let's do a little survey: 1. What T5 lamps (brand and model) do you have? 2. How many hours a day do they burn? 3. What is the replacement interval and sequence of replacement (for example, first we replace the actinic, then a week later the blue, a month later the red, or the other way around)? And to avoid creating a separate topic, the same goes for MH lamps for those who have them.

Stephen5841

Do they illuminate all the aquariums with torches?

Darrell5975

I will be the first. I replaced the first MH (Chinese) before a year, and that was only because I modified the fixture (from 150W to 250W). I replaced the second MH (CoralVue) after about 20 months because a little cyanobacteria appeared, although it visually looked fine. The light cycle is 10 hours. T5s shine from 10 to 23. Over three years, I changed them several times (wanted to improve) without any specific schedule; a good (as they say) bulb came up, so I took it for a test. Ideally, I think the bulbs should last at least a year with my schedule. PS All of the above are personal observations, nothing more. There's no point in criticizing or complaining (it's pointless anyway).

Ryan7682

You just didn't have good lamps to compare, which is why you like the ones you have. Plus, the SunSun fixture doesn't allow the lamps to ignite properly (again, I have something to compare since I have 2 SunSun out of 9 fixtures). The Chinese lamps lack phosphor; they are pale compared to branded ones. ATI Actinic shines well only with good lamps. The only advantage of the Chinese ones is the price.

Alan273

Gentlemen, fellow enthusiasts. I remind you that this thread was not intended for discussing lamp spectra and user preferences, but to determine the actual lifespan of lamps depending on the brand and the order of replacement! Please respond if you have been in the field for at least a year and a half.

Marie5735

I have 8 T5 lamps of 80 watts each. Of these, 4 actinic Sylvania Coral Star lamps shine from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. 2 Sylvania Aquastar pink lamps shine from 12 PM to 6 PM, and 2 white Chinese San-San lamps at 10,000 K also shine from 12 PM to 6 PM. Everything has been in operation for about 6 months; I haven't changed anything yet.

Nicole

T5 - will last about a year, will serve for 8 months (12-14 hours a day) MG - if with electronic ballasts, will work for about a year and a half (6-8 hours a day)

Charles4157

Silvania Coral Ark-20000Kx4. Since May of last year, the lighting intensity has remained at the same level. T-5 Silvania Coral Star-54W x2, JBL Jewel High Light-54W x2, service life two years. The lighting intensity has decreased, but I am not considering replacing it yet.