what are the intervals

[kiowascout]

Does anyone know what the recommended time frames to change bulbs in the following systems....


PC



T5

MH


Thanks



Dan

 

[Limpit]

Found this on the Foster and Smith website:


How often should I replace the bulbs and why?
The intensity of a bulb diminishes over time. Even though the bulb will still light up, it may not be emitting the necessary spectrum or intensity to support healthy growth. In many instances, the diminished light output can encourage nuisance algae growth.


Incandescent Bulbs - Replace every 2 to 4 months.
Standard Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 6 to 18 months depending on ballast type.
VHO Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 4 to 18 months depending on ballast type.
T-5 HO Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 16 to 24 months.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - Replace every 14 to 24 months.
Metal Halide Bulbs - Replace every 6 to 18 months.

Seems like quite a large time spread to me.

 

[jmkarcz]

Marine Depot told me that I should my mh's should be 12-16 months... dependant on photo period... and the boxes on the Sun Compact for my last retro fit said 9-12 months... while the coralife compact bulb boxes in my basement say... 12 months...

The t-5 disposables I pickd up for 10$ say 6 months...

hope that's not contradictory...

fwiw

J

 

[kiowascout]

I just got a teklight to replace the Pc orbit fixture that had half of the lights stop working. I was wondering when I should start planning to replace the bulbs.

Thanks for the info guys! Keep it coming if anyone has anything else to add.

 

[prugs]

I believe that it depends on the manufacturer.
Some lamps are of higher quality. I have used PC lamps of various brands, & some just last longer without any noticable change. Some of them look terrible after 6 months.

 

[kiowascout]

I got GE bulbs for the sunlight (6500K) They actually gave me three for free for buying the fixture.

And the guy recommended that I get ATI bulbs for the blues and aquablues.

Reefgeek.com was very helpful with this purchase. I did not even feel sad at giving them $500 for this purchase.