Arcadia lighting question

[ahood]

I have a T5 22" HO fixture with Arcadia D3 HO 6% HO bulb. The package says to jange every 2 years, but I thought you were supposed to change it every year. When I ordered it a year ago, it came with an extra bulb. (The fixture only holds one bulb) Is this bulb still good to use since it has not been opened or anything? And should I go ahead and change it?

 

[NHenn]

To be on the safe side most will recommend to replace it on a yearly basis however the bulbs can and do last two plus years. I currently have some that are over two years and working great but I test them regularly to make sure they are not dropping too low in strength. As for the new bulb, you are good to go as their life is based off the assumed hours being illuminated, not a in box shelf life.

 

[ahood]

To be on the safe side most will recommend to replace it on a yearly basis however the bulbs can and do last two plus years. I currently have some that are over two years and working great but I test them regularly to make sure they are not dropping too low in strength. As for the new bulb, you are good to go as their life is based off the assumed hours being illuminated, not a in box shelf life.

Are there any good meters I can buy that aren't a couple hundred dollars?

 

[NHenn]

Are there any good meters I can buy that aren't a couple hundred dollars?

Sadly no. The only meter that works are the solar meters and they are about $200. I wouldn't buy anything else as they are not accurate and would just be a waste of money.

 

[nightanole]

The "free" bulb is not uv, its a 6500k normal bulb. Arcadia seem to last forever. The most I got was 4 years, and at that point it was still as strong as a reptisun 5.0 T8.

 

[jamest0o0]

Solarometer is worth it!

 

[ahood]

Sadly no. The only meter that works are the solar meters and they are about $200. I wouldn't buy anything else as they are not accurate and would just be a waste of money.

Would it be better to have two of those fixtures on top of the cage- one on each side? Or should one be sufficient?

 

[NHenn]

Would it be better to have two of those fixtures on top of the cage- one on each side? Or should one be sufficient?

One is fine as they need an area to get out of the UVB and into the shade.