Short in my fixture from spitting fish...

[mike31154]

I thought the colour temperature changed over time as well on fluorescents, not just the loss of efficiency?

[Binare]

If it changes its slight, basically electrons bouncing around in the glass tube interact with the coating on the bulb, the phosphor coating doesn't break down all that much, its the vapour inside the tube that breaks down, causing the effiency to decrease.

[hillegom]

So, Binare, what brand and model of T5 do you use?

[Binare]

I use workhorse ballasts along with GE 10k bulbs.

The GE bulbs are rated at 25,000 hours lifespan. and are 95% efficient at 40% of there lifespan.

I run my lamps 10 hours a day, which works out to a 2500 day life span (average) or almost 7 years. Take into effect the efficiency (95%@40%) and I change em roughly every 3 years or so.

They cost me about 3-4 bucks a piece. 17 bucks per ballast.

[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by Binare

I use workhorse ballasts along with GE 10k bulbs.

The GE bulbs are rated at 25,000 hours lifespan. and are 95% efficient at 40% of there lifespan.

I run my lamps 10 hours a day, which works out to a 2500 day life span (average) or almost 7 years. Take into effect the efficiency (95%@40%) and I change em roughly every 3 years or so.

They cost me about 3-4 bucks a piece. 17 bucks per ballast.

4 x 39W on a 12g?

[Binare]

That is correct

[banditpowdercoat]

That would equate to 1560w on a 120g!!!!!!!!!