How often to replace UVB?

[CaramelBeet]

I have an Arcadia T5 12% with a reflector behind it. How often should the tube be replaced? I hear conflicting information (some say as often as 4 months, others say the T5s can go out to a year, all sorts of things!)

 

[kyleena29]

I have heard yearly as well. I have a solarmeter 6.5 so I have had my bulbs for 5 months so far with not really any change in output.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah generally it's about a year with a T5 but if you have a solarmeter you can measure the output and don't need to replace it until you see the output start to drop. This can vary between bulbs.

 

[CaramelBeet]

Ok, thanks. Unfortunately I don't have a solarmeter (so expensive!), so once a year it is.