Q: What are the elements in the spectrum tubes?
A: The dim elements are Argon, Krypton, and Xenon.
The bright elements are Helium, Neon, and Iodine (new style) or Mercury (old style).
Q: How long do the tubes last?
A: Tube lifespan varies according to a number of factors: frequency of use, frequencies of use, power level settings, the particular element, variations between individual handcrafted tubes, etc. We track tube lifespan data and the vast majority of tubes last longer than a year, but we can't guarantee that for every individual tube.
Q: How long are the tubes guaranteed?
A: Tubes are covered for 90 days. If a tube dies and you request a replacement within those 90 days, we may ask for a short video of your BioCharger running the "Default" or "Bulb Test" recipe in a dark room for visual confirmation of the expired tube.
Q: How can I tell when a tube needs to be replaced?
A: Run either the 'Default' or 'Bulb Test' recipe in a completely dark room. In the dark you can more accurately determine tube status as Argon, Krypton, and Xenon are normally dim.
We generally recommend to wait until a tube is completely expired before replacing it.
Q: I can see the gas flickering / swirling / moving in the tube, is that OK?
A: While humans don’t thrive under pressure, spectrum tubes certainly do! In fact, pressure is essential for the spectrum tube to produce its characteristic light. Varied pressures, whether higher or lower, can result in different visual effects. Increased pressure can yield brighter lighting but might cause jagged or flickering lines. On the contrary, lower pressure may result in a softer, more diffuse illumination.
Q: Why is one of my tubes a little brighter/dimmer than its counterpart?
A: A slight difference is common and normal. Each of our tubes is carefully handcrafted, resulting in subtle differences in tube shape and volume that can subtly affect the brightness, color, and movement inside the tube. That being said, a dramatic difference in brightness, such as a Neon that is very bright and a Neon that is very dim, is a likely indicator that the dim tube is expiring.
Q: Where can I buy tube replacements?
A: Replacement spectrum tubes can be purchased at https://biocharger.com/product-category/parts/
Q: What is the difference between the Old and New tubes?
A: There are two styles of tube, the 'old' style and 'new' style. They can be mixed and used together if needed. There are two primary differences: the new tubes have Iodine instead of Mercury, and they also do not have the metal electrode present in the old tubes, which can cause a black oxidative stain over time.
Once the stock of old style tubes sell out, they will no longer be available.