How often should lights be replaced?

[glenlikes_stuff]

Hello, how often should lights be replaced in a fish only with live rock setup?

Does this answer change if I have a coral banded shrimp?

Thanks

 

[namxas]

What type/technology of lighting are we talking about here?

The typical, "general" answer without knowing this would be 6 mos to 18 mos, with 12 mos being the median. Most lamps shift towards the red end of the spectrum in that time period, and the additional red wavelengths favor the growth of nuisance algae.

A CBS won't make any difference as to when you change out the lamp.

 

[Korrine]

Hey welcome to Reef Central!!!

 

[Orcrone]

Hello, how often should lights be replaced in a fish only with live rock setup?

Does this answer change if I have a coral banded shrimp?

Thanks

I believe that the only reason for lighting in a FOWLR is to be able to see the fishes. So it doesn't matter if the lighting loses a bit of intensity. You could really keep the lighting until they no longer function properly. Having a coral banded shrimp should not effect your light changing schedule.

With that said I have a FOWLR system and change my bulbs once a year. There are three sets of bulbs (2 per set) and I change a different set every four months.

 

[Korrine]

No, when lighting does get old its new spectrum does facilitate algae growth.

 

[glenlikes_stuff]

Thanks guys. I'm taking over someones tank and I don't think the lights have been replaced for ages so I'll replace them to be sure.

 

[Korrine]

Your welcome!! Please post pics when you can and ask any questions you may have