Do I need to replace actnics?

[wells284]

I was curious if I need to replace my actnics like I do for MH bulbs. I only use them for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening for the dusk-dawn effect. They are 2 years old, and still work fine, but I did not know if they change spectrum or whatever and can cause algae growth like other bulbs.

thanks in advance

 

[cloak]

I run my T5 actinics for 8 hours a day and usually replace them after 9 months. 8 x 262 = 2096 hours. In your case, 4 x 352 = 1408 + 1408 = 2816 hours in 2 years. I'm not sure if my math is correct but I think your due. I would replace them.

 

[wells284]

I run my T5 actinics for 8 hours a day and usually replace them after 9 months. 8 x 262 = 2096 hours. In your case, 4 x 352 = 1408 + 1408 = 2816 hours in 2 years. I'm not sure if my math is correct but I think your due. I would replace them.

Do they need replaced because a spectral shift might cause algae, or because of the decrease in par? I understand that MH's should be changed every 9-12 months because of par decrease, and because it can change the spectrum. I figured t-5's were replaced at their time frame because of par loss also. That is why I am wondering, since I do not use them for par, but I dont want them to be contributing to any algae growth.

 

[cloak]

Running them 2 hours here & there is not going to cause any unwated algae growth IMO, whether they've shifted or not. As far as par goes, I'm sure it's dropped, but if your not relying on them for that then there on purely for aesthetics. If that's the case I guess you could run them until they burn out. It's up to you. I would much rather know that your getting something other than "light" out of those bulbs than nothing. Take advantage of those 4 hours. I hope this makes since.

 

[UnoZeus]

If you replace them.... take a look at the UVL super actinics. They are pretty awesome.

 

[gweston]

Do they need replaced because a spectral shift might cause algae, or because of the decrease in par? I understand that MH's should be changed every 9-12 months because of par decrease, and because it can change the spectrum. I figured t-5's were replaced at their time frame because of par loss also. That is why I am wondering, since I do not use them for par, but I dont want them to be contributing to any algae growth.

Bulb manufacturers will tell you to change halide bulbs every ~9 months and T5's every ~12 months

Your auto dealership wants you to change your oil every 2,500 miles, though you can easily go 2x that, or even 4x that on more modern cars with synthetic oils (I own one). An honest engineer/mechanic would support that, and often the vehicle's documentation actually has a longer oil change period listed then the dealer schedule. For those who actually read their owners manual.

I'd weigh it this way. If your actinics look ok and are more for appearance than for photosynthesis. Then not so critical to change them. If you consider them to be used for photosynthesis and count this as part of your effective light period... then I'd think 2 years equivalent usage is a good time to consider a change for T5's.

Halides certainly wouldn't last 2 years. But I won't change mine every 9 months. I start thinking about it at the 12 month mark. Quality varies from bulb to bulb and manufacturer. So there is always a fudge factor there.

 

[wells284]

Maybe I will replace them. I am not quite sure what they are.. I think they are compact fluorescent versus t-5s. I have 2 fixtures, and they both are 2 smallish long bulbs that go into one endcap.

 

[lolgranny]

I have power compact atnics as well, mine have been running for about 9 months now and i havent touched them. I mean to get across to changing them, but i havent seen my sps have any negative affects. I have 2-65w PC's and a 250w halide.

 

[tkeracer619]

They get dull. It is time to replace them.

 

[on the spot]

This is a good time to be a member of a local club. Usually one of the guys (proverbially speaking) has a par meter in a drawer. Instead of guessing anyway.

 

[dunk373]

I have 8 48" vho first was corallife bulbs they r horrible. Then one burned out after 3 months I replAced them with uri or uvl brand and they are awesome. I had them in there for 3.5 years. I kinda let the tank go but all was ok. I had an algae bloom so I figured it was the lights and replaced them but this didn't help. It was byropsis algae and Kent tech m took care of it. I could probably kept the old bulbs who knows. I only had lps softies pretty much. But I have a haddoni carpet that was fine and when I switched the bulbs it acted a little crazy but the light was a diff. Spectrum I ran my lights like 10-12 hours a day uri bulbs are very good. IMO