T5 HO bulb replacement schedule

adechazal

Prolific Poster
May 7, 2007
51
0
6
Rochester, Michigan
Team,
It's been about a year since I started my 180g using a 4x80W T5 fixture and I am wondering if I should replace the bulbs. From a visual standpoint the bulbs are fine, but I have heard that their intensity (benefit for plants) drops significantly over a year and they should be replaced.
My suspicion about the light comes from the fact that some of my stem plants (species specific) have been getting leggy and only showing full growth when they are within a couple of inches of the top of the water line, suggesting to me they might need more light. Thoughts? -Aaron