T8 fixture replacement

[Paul Mc]

I'm not sure if anyone can help me with this problem, but I thought I would ask anyways. I have been buying T8 fixtures from Lowe's for several years now, and it seems like every two years I have to replace them. I do not know what is happening, but every two years they no longer work. It's not like I'm running them 24/7 for those two years, and in fact I only use them during the winter months. Any thoughts? Anyone else experience this? I am kind of sick and tired of dumping money into them.

[sweetjblue]

Are you buying the ones that cost between $9-$12?
I have the same problem but the last time mine only lasted a year! If so, they are made in China and not made to last. The box says not to use near water or something to that effect. Additionally if you mist alot the moisture can also shortened their life and that is where I think I went wrong. I think you'll find that with fixtures from any of the Big Box stores cause I've also bought them from HD with the same results.
On the other hand I have a 2 tier T12 plant stand that was puchased over 20 yrs ago for $$ and that is still going strong, misting and all. I also have a few T5's that are 3+ yrs old and have never had a problem with them either.
Here's a link for the T5's. Their HO and they cost $50 and include the bulbs and this is the best price that I've found short of ebay. Might be the way to go.

HTG Supply - 4 Foot 2 Lamp High Output T5 Fixture

Judi

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[DavidCampen]

Practically everything is made in China these days but as you say; Paul is perhaps buying the really cheap stuff.

I use waterproof T5 fixtures, one has been in service now for 2 years and I would expect it to last at least a decade but I payed $100 for that 4ft, 2 lamp fixture:
48" Wet Location Fixtures - TekSupply

More recently I bought this 6 lamp fixture for $200:
Rainforest Wet Location 6 Lamp T5HO Grow Light

[Paul Mc]

At first I was buying cheap ones then realized they were going out as fast as I bought them. I've been buying more expensive ones now, but this current one that went out is one of the more expensive ones. I think it was $40 or so for two bulbs. I bought a four bulb this time and it was near $60.

[Paul Mc]

Oh, and no misters. Everything is watered by hand. Humidity is somewhat low, but it's just my makeshift grow area in the basement. Not enclosed for humidity.

[isurus79]

I'm not sure if you have any hydroponics stores near by, but they tend to have really good T5 fixtures for low prices. A lot of times they even sell used ones.

Ray also sells new LED lights for pretty good prices and they are plug and play into incandescent fixtures, so you could save money there. Here is a picture of my 48" 4 bulb HO T5 system (which I bought bulbs and all for around $70, used) next to my 2 bulb LED system with bulbs from Ray and an incandescent aquarium hood light (for 10 gallon tank, $20 new or usually MUCH less at a garage sale) with two bulbs:


Untitled by Isurus79, on Flickr

Both systems are very high in light production and low in space consumption.

[naoki]

Paul, the ballast isn't overheating, is it? If the fixture has a decent reflector, you might want to change the ballast with a quality one.

This may not be the best, but it has a reasonable price and decent spec:
Amazon.com: F32T8 - 1-2 Lamps - 120-277 Volt - PS Ballast - Advance IOP-2S32-SC: Home Improvement

It is super easy.

If the reflector isn't so great, I've heard great things about this moderately priced one:

Fluorescent Shop Light from Lithonia Lighting | The Home Depot - Model 1241DP RE

[Paul Mc]

Thank you for the thoughts everyone!!!

I don't think it's overheating. I've spent the last few days feeling the fixtures in the evening and they appear to be cool. I'm thinking they are just made to go bad in a few years or they just weren't made for daily long term use.

[Paul Mc]

I will be researching all of this links you guys were so generous to provide!!!!

[RJSquirrel]

the fixtures arent bad paul, the ballast are cheap and crappy. Ballast usually last 4-5 years. The fixtures you are getting come with the lowest rated bottom of the line ballast you could possibly get and still get a UL rated listing. You can replace the ballast with a good one for about 15 bucks . Then replace the lamps in the fixtures, you should replace all of them. If the lamps arent drawing equal current across the ballast, they have a bad habit of going bad on you. Its not hard to put a new ballast in if you read the blueprints and directions they all come with.