Fluorescent UV bulb life

[JesterDS]

Hello,

I have read many posts on the length a fluorescent bulb is effective but didn't find info on my question.

Little bit of info/rant:
I am trying to prepare hatchling tanks for 2020 breeding season and calculating everything that I will need. It may not be cost effective but I feel bad for the many babies I see listed on various websites with toe/tail nips. My plans were to build enough tanks that each hatchling could have its own tank from day 1 and avoid all nips.

With that being said I realize this could mean 20-35 enclosures of the proper size per clutch. Each needing the correct space to grow and proper UV lighting. Bringing me to my question: Do fluorescent tubes start aging by first used date or is it total time used. A typical reptisun that lasts 6 months of continuous use would go bad 6 months after the first time it was fired up and not used again? Or can you use it for a month, off for 6 months, and it still has 5 working months left in it?

My main concern is for the animals health vs costs, just need to know what to plan for.

Thank you for any input!

 

[CooperDragon]

The tubes decline with use. A T8 is good for roughly 6 months or so while a T5 is good for at least a year. I've had them last over 3 but monitored output with a Solarmeter. If you can't monitor the output, then I'd stick with replacement every 12 months. A T5 will provide better output at the recommended 12'' than a T8 will at the recommended 6''.

 

[JesterDS]

So a typical bulb that lasts 6 months, could be used over a years time, if only used 1/2 the working time?
Didn't know if the gasses in the tubes started to diminish once they were fired once or only were used up by being on.

 

[kingofnobbys]

So a typical bulb that lasts 6 months, could be used over a years time, if only used 1/2 the working time?
Didn't know if the gasses in the tubes started to diminish once they were fired once or only were used up by being on.

Yes.
It's more to do number of on/off cycles /startups & actual cumulative ontop and is related to the rate at which the activated phosphors decay.

Stick with Arcadia brand T5ho tubes if you want a guaranteed life , the other brands including Zoo Med and Exo Terra are not as good.