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02-16-2018, 01:15 PM
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Jr. Member
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Join Date: Jan 2015
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Location: calgary
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Bulb replacement
Hi there,
Sorry for may be dumb question - but how often do you change bulbs? I have sunblaster T5 (fluorescent), they are working, but they are old (several years - about 5, I think). What happens if not change bulbs every 6-24 (I saw different opinions  ) months?
Thanks in advance! |
02-16-2018, 01:34 PM
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I have fluorescent T5HO lamps (sunblaster as well as another type from Hydrofarm) that run twelve hours a day (timer). Most of my plants go outside for the summers but, since I have a dog that likes to destroy orchids, I keep those indoors. I change all the lights every two years. The bulbs usually list the hours that they should last but they do decrease in efficiency over time.
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02-16-2018, 02:17 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
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I also have older fluorescent lights. They do lose efficiency, but my lights still seem to be functioning well enough for my plants to grow, good enough for my needs. I only have plants indoors for a few months, though. Not year round.
If it were me, I would replace when I felt the plants were not getting what they needed.
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02-16-2018, 03:55 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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Want to see something very interesting? Compare a bulb which has been run a year or so with an identical new bulb.
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02-16-2018, 04:46 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Subrosa
Want to see something very interesting? Compare a bulb which has been run a year or so with an identical new bulb.
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How? |
02-16-2018, 05:15 PM
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Run 2 identical bulbs in a fixture. After a year replace 1. Compare the new to the old. Then decide on your replacement interval.
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Be who you are and say what you think. Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.
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02-16-2018, 06:05 PM
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Jr. Member
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Join Date: Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Subrosa
Run 2 identical bulbs in a fixture. After a year replace 1. Compare the new to the old. Then decide on your replacement interval.
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sorry, still did not get it - what should I compare? I have old ones, tomorrow (I hope ) will have new ones... I have light meter... |
02-16-2018, 09:46 PM
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oak Island NC
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Believe me, once you observe the two side-by-side, you'll know. The intensity alone will tip you off.
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02-16-2018, 10:25 PM
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Most people recommend changing the bulbs every 9-12 months, no longer. Your eye cannot see the difference when they have dimmed so much the plants begin to struggle.
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02-16-2018, 11:01 PM
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Jr. Member
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Join Date: Jan 2015
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Ok I'm off to buy new bulbs. Thanks to all! |
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