new PC bulbs

[dqualls]

My set up is 10 months old now. Should I replace my PC bulbs or are they OK for a while longer?. When I do replace them can I replace tham all at once or should I do them individual allowing the corals to adjust for a couple of days. I'm running 4 65 watt PC.

 

[swashbuckler]

well, your definiltly due for a change...on all of them,

but right now, i would change your actinics first, as they are the one's that loose the most color and intensity after a few months. and then the daylights are due for a change...all at once may be a shocker to the inverts.... but if you chose to do them all...just reduce the time that the lights are on and slowly add more hours everyday.

 

[DrBDC]

I would get on a schedule of 2 every 6 months. That is what I do. That way you maintain a more even level of lighting. When you change out the 2, you will notice a big difference in the brightness of the new vs. old bulbs.

 

[Saaack]

I can tell you from experience not to change them all at once or even too close together. I have bleached corals doing this. I would change one at a time no closer than one week apart. The daylights are more critical. This is the frequency when most photosynthesis occurs (6700k - 10000K). Actinics are mostly for our veiwing pleasure. The daylight bulbs will fade over time and their temp will drop into the red spectrum and they will lose their ability to penatrate deep into the water. I agree with DrBDC, get yourself on a schedule where you're not replacing them all in a single month.

 

[dqualls]

Thanks for the input. I already changed the actinic bulds this morning. Will I be alright having done both actinic at the same time or should I replace one with an old bulb. Lights have only been on three hours now. I was going to wait a week then replace daylight bulbs but Iwill do them individually a week apart.

 

[swashbuckler]

your in good shape IMHO...the daylights are really the one's that will add the most intensity and may "hurt" the corals more than the actinics would.

 

[Saaack]

I agree, I think the abrupt change in daylight would cause more harm than a change in actinic.

 

[Billionzz]

On the daylight bulbs, if you know anyone that does planted freshwater tanks with PC lighting give the bulbs to them.

The PC bulbs are good for plants until they burn out.

Bill