Reeflux 12K bulb lifespan

[Wheel of Time]

How long are people gettign out of their Reeflux 12k bulbs, i.e when does the spectrum shift / par decline enough that you need to change them?

6 mo, 12mo, 18mo?

 

[cmm1970]

The fella at Reef Specialty, Mike I think, replaces at 11 months. I am in my eleventh month with my first set of 12K's and I am replacing. No PAR meter to back up the claim though...just opinion.

 

[DeathWish302]

My 12k started dropping below 75%(initial) PAR after month 6 and sharply dropped to ~7% each month thereafter. I would say 8-9 months is ok for sure. I think that keeping the reflector and glass clean along with water clarity affects the PAR more than age. That is only my observation though.

HTH

 

[Wheel of Time]

Thank you very much. I wonder if it is worthwhile lowering them by about 4 inches would extend the usable life? Would that improve the par, or do bulbs just decrease and lowering them doesnt matter?
I have them in Lumenbrights 16" off the water -- I built the canopy to have a ladder type holder for the pendants to lower if needed.

Wish I had a par meter!!!

 

[rdelong]

I'm at 11 Months and I'll replace at 12.

 

[DeathWish302]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15549875#post15549875 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wheel of Time
Thank you very much. I wonder if it is worthwhile lowering them by about 4 inches would extend the usable life? Would that improve the par, or do bulbs just decrease and lowering them doesnt matter?
I have them in Lumenbrights 16" off the water -- I built the canopy to have a ladder type holder for the pendants to lower if needed.

Wish I had a par meter!!!

My bulbs are 8" from the water surface during normal operation, so I wouldn't know if distance does create a huge difference. I have noticed a definite reduction in light intensity, so it may extend life by lowering.