t5 bulbs

Hey RIU been browsing here for a long time but have a few questions regarding t5 bulbs and when to replace them.

1. How long do you usually wait b4 you replace a t5's bulbs ( mine is almost 3 years old now)?
2. Do you recommend using other types of bulbs or stick to mostly blue light bulbs?
3. If i should replace my bulbs what is the preferred brand?


thanks for your time

At least for me, it's very hard to know when to replace without a light meter, so I just do about 3 or 4 grows and replace them. I use the blue for veg and the Reds for flower with a blue mixed in. As far as brand I think their all pretty similar so I use what my local shop has.

Every 3 to 4 grows is a good bulb replacement requirement. I like Ushio bulbs high quality at low price. I run a 6500k in veg and 3000-2700k in flower with a 3:1 mix.

turbobuzz said:

At least for me, it's very hard to know when to replace without a light meter, so I just do about 3 or 4 grows and replace them. I use the blue for veg and the Reds for flower with a blue mixed in. As far as brand I think their all pretty similar so I use what my local shop has.

Click to expand...

i have a light meter, what is the normal output for a t5? i've had mine running for almost 24/7 for the 3 years i've had it so i can only assume i would need to replace the bulbs. I'm pretty sure t5 bulbs are cheap so it shouldn't be an issue anyways