When Do You Replace Bulbs on Growlights?

[Nyboy]

1st time posting a poll

 

[so lucky]

I change out half of mine every spring...or at least that is my intention. But these aren't fancy grow lights, just a bunch of shop lights together.

 

[majorcatfish]

changed out all 6 of my t-5 this year took the old ones down to work and installed them in a work station, they still have good life in them for their application.
hate to waste a good lamp...
install 6 new sylvania 850 54 watt lamps.
my lower grow table has 6 t-12 ge grow lights and only been used for 1 season, so they are still good for another year...

still toying with the idea of doubling the indoor grow area....

 

[catjac1975]

I must say my plants do seem to grow faster with a new bulb. They are pretty cheap too.

 

[secuono]

On my tanks, it's very obvious when I replace the bulbs, plants just suddenly shoot up and algae on the glass shows up, too.
I only use regular shop lights for all my plants, no fancy "grow" lights.

It also depends on number of hours the lights are on per day.


This is from an aquarium live plant site.

How often should I replace the bulbs and why?
The intensity of a bulb diminishes over time. Even though the bulb will still light up, it may not be emitting the necessary spectrum or intensity to support healthy growth. In many instances, the diminished light output can encourage nuisance algae growth.

Incandescent Bulbs
- Replace every 2 to 4 months.

Standard Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 6 to 18 months depending on ballast type.

VHO Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 4 to 18 months depending on ballast type.

T-5 HO Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 16 to 24 months.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 14 to 24 months.

Metal Halide Bulbs - Replace every 6 to 18 months.

 

[Smart Red]

Thanks, secuono! Learned something new!

 

[Jeremy Wilson]

I have the t8 fixtures with regular 32w bulbs will some kind of grow bulbs do better or do these work just as good?

 

[Nyboy]

 

[Smart Red]

Welcome, @Jeremy Wilson, to the best garden site. So glad you found us and happy to have you growing with us.

Thanks for jumping in with a great question. I'll be needing that answered soon myself. We have very knowledgable members growing under lights.

 

[baymule]

1st time posting a poll

Nyboy, you are growing up right here before our computer screens!!! I am so proud of you!

I have the t8 fixtures with regular 32w bulbs will some kind of grow bulbs do better or do these work just as good?

Jeremy, I use regular shop lights with regular bulbs. They work just fine. I usually commandeer the breakfast table for lights and seedlings, but we moved and now I am using the ridiculous garden tub. Plus I have a bunch on a outdoor table on the screened in porch.