SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K

The SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K is an 18-inch T5HO replacement bulb designed for re-lamping existing T5 high-output fixtures. Rated at 10,000 hours of operation, it delivers a 6400K daylight spectrum well suited to vegetative growth and propagation. SunBlaster recommends replacing lamps at the 10,000-hour mark to maintain consistent light output and growing performance from your T5HO system.

SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K Specifications

Specifications below are drawn from the canonical product data and supplier listing for SKU SL0900354.

Why Choose SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K

When a T5HO lamp reaches the end of its rated life, light output declines even if the tube still appears to work. Using OEM SunBlaster replacement lamps ensures the fixture continues to perform as it was designed to, rather than operating on degraded output from an overdue bulb.

• OEM match for SunBlaster fixtures: The SL0900354 is the manufacturer-specified replacement for SunBlaster T5HO systems, ensuring correct pin spacing, tube diameter, and lumen output for the fixture’s reflector geometry.
• 6400K daylight spectrum: The 6400K color temperature produces a cooler, blue-rich light that supports compact, vigorous growth during vegetative and propagation stages.
• 10,000-hour rated lifespan: SunBlaster publishes a 10,000-hour replacement interval, giving growers a concrete benchmark for scheduled maintenance rather than guessing when output has dropped too far.
• Direct drop-in replacement: At 18 inches, this lamp fits T5HO fixtures with standard 18-inch lamp slots. No rewiring or hardware changes are needed — remove the old lamp and insert the new one.
• Predictable re-lamp cost: At a low per-lamp price point, replacing at the recommended interval is economical compared to the yield losses that come with running degraded lighting through a full grow cycle.

Best Uses for SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K

This lamp is a consumable component — its value is in keeping an existing T5HO fixture running at full specification. The 6400K spectrum and T5HO format make it most useful in the following situations:

• Propagation and cloning: T5HO fixtures at 6400K are widely used over propagation trays and clone domes. The relatively low heat output and diffuse light distribution suits tender cuttings and seedlings without causing moisture stress.
• Vegetative growth under T5 fixtures: Growers running dedicated T5HO vegetative rooms or side-lighting setups can maintain consistent output by replacing lamps on schedule at 10,000 hours.
• Re-lamping multi-tube fixtures: Multi-tube T5 units — such as 4-tube or 8-tube fixtures — perform best when all lamps are replaced at the same time. Buying individual replacement lamps allows growers to stock extras and swap out the full set simultaneously. If you’re running a complete T5 fixture and lamp system, see the T5 Designer 4ft 4-Tube Fixture with Bulbs for a full-fixture option.
• Propagation kits with integrated T5 lighting: Some propagation systems, such as the Super Sprouter Premium Heated Propagation Kit with T5 Light, use T5HO lamps that require eventual replacement. This SunBlaster lamp is compatible with 18-inch T5HO sockets.
• Scheduled maintenance programs: Commercial and hobbyist growers who track fixture hours can use SunBlaster’s 10,000-hour recommendation as a replacement trigger, ordering lamps in advance to avoid gaps in the lighting schedule.

Compatibility

The SunBlaster T5 Lamp 6400K (SL0900354) is an 18-inch T5HO lamp. It is compatible with any T5 high-output fixture that uses 18-inch lamps with standard T5 bi-pin (G5) end caps. Key compatibility notes:

• Fixture type: T5 High Output (T5HO) fixtures only. T5 standard-output and T8 fixtures use different ballasts and are not compatible.
• Lamp length: 18-inch (approximately 450 mm) lamp slots. Verify your fixture accepts 18-inch lamps before ordering — SunBlaster also produces 24-inch and longer T5HO lamps for other fixture sizes.
• Pin base: Standard G5 bi-pin base, which is the universal T5 lamp base. Most 18-inch T5HO fixtures on the market use this base.
• Ballast compatibility: Works with T5HO electronic ballasts. Confirm your fixture’s ballast is rated for T5HO tubes (not T5 standard output), as the two formats draw different current levels.
• SunBlaster fixtures: This is the OEM replacement lamp for SunBlaster’s own 18-inch T5HO lighting systems, and it is the lamp SunBlaster recommends for those fixtures specifically.

Usage Guidelines

T5HO lamp performance degrades gradually over time. A lamp that still illuminates at 12,000 hours may be producing significantly less usable light than it did when new, which can affect plant development without any visible indicator of failure. Following a scheduled replacement program avoids this silent degradation.

• Replace at 10,000 hours: SunBlaster’s published recommendation is to replace T5HO lamps after 10,000 hours of operation. At a typical 18-hour photoperiod, this is approximately 556 days of continuous use — roughly 18 months. At a 16-hour photoperiod, the interval extends to approximately 625 days.
• Replace all lamps in a fixture together: In multi-tube fixtures, mixing new and old lamps creates uneven light distribution across the canopy. Replacing all lamps simultaneously ensures uniform coverage.
• Handle by the end caps: Oils from skin contact on the lamp surface can create hot spots and reduce service life. Handle the tube by its end caps or use a clean cloth when installing.
• Allow a warm-up period: Fluorescent lamps reach full output after a brief warm-up period, typically 1–3 minutes. Output readings taken immediately at power-on will be below steady-state values.
• Dispose of properly: T5HO lamps contain mercury. Follow local regulations for fluorescent lamp recycling and disposal — do not dispose of in household waste.

Sources & Further Reading