life span of a T5 bulb

[Bao]

Hello everyone,

I was wonder how long the T5 light bulb would last if I use it for 7 hours everyday?

Thanks,
Bao

 

[JayM]

They generally last 12-18 months. Better bulbs, around 18 months (like ATI). Crappy bulbs, less long (like Current)

 

[willray]

Also depends on the ballast.If it an Icecapp it will be 12 months for good ones and way less for cheap ones.As a note actinics will have a shorter life span overall by about 2-3 months.

 

[beckbrass]

Another big difference is if you have fans blowing air on them. A hot bulb will last a lot less time then a cooler bulb, this also goes for the ballast. If they are hot they will tend to die faster.

 

[SteveDola]

I always when a year and then tossed them. The best way to tell is check the output with a lumen meter

 

[afboundguy]

You can also judge when they're starting to turn for the worse by nuisance algae growth. I know it's not full proof but just by changing over my bulbs that were 18-24 months old I noticed a huge change in the algae on the rockwork without doing anything else...