lighting

[littlefoot]

Is it true that even though your bulbs in your lighting hasnt burnt out you should replace them evey 6 months otherwise they heat up more than they should, causing cyano/bacteria? Also how often do you siphon and for what reason?

 

[silvers]

What kind of lights. There has been a recent study that has shown on MH bulbs after the inital drop in PAR whitch hapens at around the three month mark the bulb puts out around 75-80% and a slight color shift after this there is not a significant drop in PAR or spectrium till 18-24 Mo. they are still at something like 70%. PCs or T-5 may be diff. I dont have any exp. with eather

 

[littlefoot]

they are 95 watt - 10,000 coralife

 

[oct2274]

is that a pc bulb? if so.......yes, pc's typically should be replaced at the 6 month mark

 

[littlefoot]

pc?

 

[blozzd]

power compact

 

[littlefoot]

yes pc. ok so replace because it gives off more heat than it should causing the bacteria? I guess I want to know is if I replace the bulbs will the cyano/bacteria lessen and also the question about siphoning- why , what, and how often. Thanks.

 

[oct2274]

you need to replace them because their spectrum changes which alot of times can cause an algae outbreak. Their output drops off quite a bit by the 6th month mark. i'm not sure about them putting off more heat.

 

[littlefoot]

thankyou. Also does anyone know of someone who will come to your home and look at your tank and give suggestions if needed.

 

[Stirfry001]

What part of the valley do you live? There are a lot of people on here that would probably be willing to come give you some advice.

 

[littlefoot]

westside phx.

 

[JMCAquarium]

cross sections ???
<<<<<< 99th & Peoria

 

[azmarine]

All flourescent lamps have a given life expectancy of around 9 to 12months no more.

When they get past 9months, the lamps start to shift more towards the red side of the color spectrum. Which is where things like Cyano, or Hair algae like to grow.

The heat isn't what's causing your algae bloom, it's the red spectrum being given off by your lamps that's doing it

I would recommend replacing any Powercompact flourescent bulb that's over 12months old in your tank..

 

[JMCAquarium]

What are your recomendations for 150watt MH lights ???
mine are 8-9 months and I've been getting alot of green algea building up much faster then my snails can eat it. Could my 96 watt blue be going bad as well

 

[littlefoot]

im going to try to get to the lfs today to get replacements. My cross streets are 75th ave. and indian school.