Time to change T5's ??

[Mr.First]

How do you know when it is time to change T5's ???

 

[Malibu361]

I have read that it is on average every 2 years and every 18 months for actinic spectrum lamps...

 

[Galantra]

Well first it depends if your bulbs are overdriven or not mines are overdriven so I give them a year of use or less if I notice a alge outbreak

 

[Mr.First]

How do I know if mines are overdiven ?

 

[Killerdrgn]

Are the ballasts by icecap? or do the T5's look brighter than other peoples bulbs? if they are, then probably overdriven.

 

[qy7400]

To my knowledge only the IceCap ballasts can overdrive the bulbs, I've yet to hear another ballast capable of over driving; if someone knows other wise please post which ballast.

To answer the question, 18 to 24 months on standard ballast; 10 to 12 months on IceCap ballasts.

 

[Killerdrgn]

10 to 12 months on IceCap ballasts.

Mind you not all icecap ballasts, as Ice cap also makes non-overdriven ballasts.

 

[qy7400]

True but they may have stopped production, only the 430 and 660 are listed on the website.

 

[Killerdrgn]

Nevermind.