what is the life span of T5's?

Looks like I'm going to LED if it's every six months. I'd be replacing a bulb or two every month on that schedule.. $$$$$

 

My bulbs were between 12 and 18 months old before I sold my tank and the corals were growing very well. Proper nutrient and mineral levels are as important as light quality.

 

6 months is way too early. I would change mine every 14+ months or so and have no issues.

 

Well as long as is working for you is great... First signs to change bulbs in my tank are montiporas on on the sand bed. Also if we are talking about the grow and colors...
Is hard to believe that you're able to keep great yellow color under 18 months old bulbs.
Here's example of perfectly balanced water parameters and 13x80w T5 bulbs changed every 6 months...
And no, isn't zeovit tank.

 

Nice looking tank Wooboodoo

 

beautiful tank! you should also check out 2 in 10's tank that unfortunately is no longer with us

 

That's your tank?

THIS just made my top 5 list, and no, mine does not make it.

Very Nice to say the least

 

I should be more clear, I posted it as a example and no isn't my tank (I wish) owners name is Krzysztof Tryc from Poland.
His tanks are inspiration for many people including me.
Why? He isn't "one season star" like many tanks I sow in my life was great for year or two then... This tank is 7 years old and on the beginning of 2013 he get ride of all huge mother colonies leaving only frags and grow them again...
He won quart of the year on zeovit forum few years ago since he was running his tank on zeo.
Current tank filtration is simple as hell, big sump, huge skimmer, biopellet reactor, strong light and tons of bacterias.
Even with his tips I can't get whatever he does but... patience, regular water changes, feeding and least changes as possible is a key for healthy and colorful sps tank.
It takes me 2 years to say - ok I know my tank and I know what to do when parameters are going crazy