ATI Sunpower {or other high end T-5,s}

[Doug]

Anyone used one long enough for bulbs changes? I,m going to purchase a 6 bulb 24in. unit. Looks like T-5 users on some of the Rc forums are barely getting 9 months out of the bulbs, on various units.

Thought T-5,s were suppose to last 18 months. And the fancy high priced properly cooled units were to help that. So if I switch from my halide my bulb cost doubles every year?

I was hoping to get about 14 months from a set.

[BlueTang<3]

using an 8X80watt 60" ati power-module and well 8 months in and i am going to be replacing the tubes next few weeks they are way dimmer now could hardly look at the tank with fixture was new now i can stare into the bulbs lol was running 4 ati blue plus and 4 aqua blue special great tubes got awsome growth from this light

[Doug]

That seems to be the norm I have read on RC.

Nobody else have to change bulbs yet?

[lorenz0]

most hardcore t5 owners out there change there bulbs every 4 months for maxium performance. thats why i used to sell my old 4 month bulbs

[Doug]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

most hardcore t5 owners out there change there bulbs every 4 months for maxium performance. thats why i used to sell my old 4 month bulbs

Well I wont be using T-5,s then.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

most hardcore t5 owners out there change there bulbs every 4 months for maxium performance. thats why i used to sell my old 4 month bulbs

So you telling me those owners with the large 10 or more bulbs units on their sps tanks, spend over $250 quarterly on bulbs?

[staceyd72]

Originally Posted by Doug

So you telling me those owners with the large 10 or more bulbs units on their sps tanks, spend over $250 quarterly on bulbs?

Yes, some do. My neighbor with a Stealth 12*80, every four months but a lot more than $250

I personally on my 10*80 Powermodule change every six months, at $350-400(I always get a few extra bulbs to play with colour)

Not cheap by any means.