Replacing PC bulbs

[brettandlyndi]

Hi all,

As I've posted in an earlier thread, I'll be replacing my PC bulbs soon. Over my 55g, I've got 2x65w 10000K, 2x65w Actinic 03, 1x96w 10000K, and 1x96w Actinic 03. All are about 10-11 months old. Will it be risky to replace all of the bulbs at once, or do I need to install a few every few months. I was really wanting all of them to be the same age, but I don't want my corals to suffer because of the lighting increase (i'm sure the old bulbs have lost a little of their output).

 

[rxonco]

I don't think you'll have a problem switching them all at once. If you are worried about it, just shorten your photoperiod by a few hours for the first couple of days.

 

[Im14abeer]

For sure shorten the photoperiod, or change one a week. That way you can order them all at the same time 10mos. from now and do the same thing. No reason to take a chance just to keep them the same age when you'll have the same situation again and again.

 

[smleee]

You do have quite a bit of PC light there, but you should be ok with just replacing one a week. Also, spread out putting in the the 10k bulbs......for instance put the first 10k in, then wait a week and put in the actinic, then another week the 10k.....etc.

eee

 

[brettandlyndi]

Awesome, thanks everyone. I will order them all at the same time, and replace one a week, with the 10k spaced out every other week.