What's the "Tell Tale Sign?"

[zacharytrimble]

Of a power compact bulb being too old and losing some of its intensity and color rendering? I have one which I don't know how old it is...but think it's around a year old...but it looks exactly the same to my naked eye side by side as another one that I know is only a few months old.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

If you know it is that old, then just replace it to be safe. Other than that, get a LUX or PAR meter. It will tell you the intensity of the bulb at certain depths

 

[ralphie16]

You are right, it is hard to see with your eye. Better change it based on the time you have been using it.

 

[skeeter-doc]

It is hard to tell, but when you put a new one in to replace it, your tank will look a ton brighter!