replacement schedule for T5 & Flourscent lights
 

Hi guys, would anyone tell me when they replace their T5 and/or fluorscent tubes? I have my plants under both and had thought I would replace them on a yearly basis. Should I do it on a more frequent or less frequent basis?

Also, in Canada, how do you dispose of spent light tubes? Do we have to take them any place special or just treat them as "regular" light bulbs?

Regards, mary

My 2cents is that standard florescents (t12 and t8) fade at the ends with a drop off of light. T5 are a different breed and they don't fade at ends (as much). So at 12 months just have a set on-hand for replacement, but wait till light drops off suddenly. When florescents burn regularly, they tend to last longer. The "hours" rating is based on on-off cycles and short run times. Our application implies longer run times, thus a bit longer overall life. There are several here on board that have run these for longer than I have (t5) but I have used t8's for as long as they've been around and just keep a supply of tubes around "just in case" :)

I have decided to take my grow space to the next level and will be installing T5s this weekend to supplement my lighting. The grow space is in a south facing bay window with blinds but in the winter when it's cloudy and rainy for weeks on end I know the plants aren't getting enough light. Luckily for me my son works at a hydroponics store so I get the friends and family discount! :biggrin: It will be interesting to see how much of a difference this makes in flowering.

Trust me :evil: That will be the best decsion you ever made (well, one of the best :biggrin: ) My south-facing box bay window needs supplemental lighting for shadow areas, gloomy days (yes we get them here in Michigan too) and to up the anti on foot-candles.

HI Mary, I replace mine every 12 mths or so. I ususally buy a case of bulbs (6 or 12's) and use the box to collect the used bulbs for my next trip to the Eco-Station. Edmonton has great recycling programs.

fluorescent bulbs and replacement
 

I have four 48" bulbs for my orchids and I replace one bulb a year. I get my replacement bulbs from either walmart or home depot. Here is my lighting schedule: Nov.-jan. 16 hours/day (spring), feb.-june-18 hours/day (summer), july-august 16 hours/day (fall), sept.-oct. 12 hours/day (winter). I have mostly cattleyas and dendrobiums and they all seem to be happy.

My Replacement Bulb Schedule
 

Someone suggested replacing 1 bulb every month. It sounded like too much recording until I set up my own record sheet.

This copy of my chart looks a bit wierd because I have mine set up in colums and rows.

I am going to replace 1 bulb per 4 bulb unit every 3 months. That way I will have replaced every bulb in one year........it would be rather hard on my check book to replace all at one time. I have 14 - - - 4-bulb units.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT DATE RECORD **UPSTAIRS
Units=Left - - Center- - Window 4 Bulb Uunits
***from Front #1 to Back

Top Units- - note: T5 BULBS
Date Replaced
1 - - - 1 T5- - 1T5
2 - - - 2 - - - 2
3 - - - 3 - - - 3
4 - - - 4 - - - 4

Center Units
1 - - - 1 - - - 1
2 - - - 2 - - - 2
3 - - - 3 - - - 3
4 T5- - 4 - - - 4

Bottom Units - (left unit only 2 tiers)
1 none 1 - - -1
2 none 2 - - -2
3 none 3 - - -3
4 none 4 - - -4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT DATE RECORD - BASEMENT
***From Front # 1 to Back
NOTE: ONLY FAR RIGHT (WINDOW UNIT) TOP IS T5
ALL ARE 2 TIER UNITS
Top Unit
Date Replaced
Left--Center- - Right 4 bulb Units
1 - - - 1 - - - 1
2 - - - 2 - - - 2
3 - - - 3 - - - 3
4 - - - 4 - - - 4

Bottom Unit
Date Replaced
1 - - - 1 - - - 1
2 - - - 2 - - - 2
3 - - - 3 - - - 3
4 - - - 4 - - - 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

600 W HPS BULB OVER 4 TRAYS (With Light Mover)

Date Replaced

430 W HPS BULB OVER 2 TRAYS (Against Wall)

Date replaced