When to change your light bulbs

[Sir Edward]

I purchased a Coralife Elite Series 72" in November. It has 3 250w MH and 2*96w compact Fluorescent. When should I be looking to replace these bulbs? I have heard such conflicting opinions. Is it based on just months or should I be adding up the hours in which they are on? Then change them accordingly.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I personally keep the number of months in mind, but what I really use as my guide is algae. When I notice heavy algae on the glass everyday, I start thinking about changing bulbs. There are obviously other factors that increase the algae in a system. But my tank maintenance is pretty consistent, so I can safely use that as my guide.

 

[ggdowski]

Cully... what is the ballpark in months.
I dont have a good feel for this either.

 

[kalebsdad21]

I change mine once a year.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Depending on brand 9-12 mos IME. Again, many would debate this, but it's what works for me. Have I gone way over 12 months, yep. In a perfect world, I'd shoot for 10 months every time. Also keep in mind I run my bulbs 7 1/2 hrs a day for your frame of reference.

 

[pisces4u]

Every 6 months for t5's over my SPS and prop system. 6 months for the pc's on my zoa prop system. Longer on my other two tanks. Don't currently use any MH.

I believe lower K bulbs (6500k, 10k) will last longer than 20k and actinic bulbs before major spectrum changes/performance loss.

 

[Sir Edward]

Cully, I run my 250 watt 10,000K MH 5hrs and my 96W True Actinic 03 Blue compact fluorescent lamps for 10 hrs. With that thought, around 1500 hrs for the MH and 3000 hrs for the Actinic's?

 

[Capt_Cully]

Yeah, I mean, sounds about right. No hard and fast rule. Some bulbs burn out faster than others in my experience. A particular culprit are Hamilton 14K's. I swear I only get about 6 months out of those. It's a shame to, because I really like their color when they are new.

 

[Sir Edward]

Sounds good Cully, I'm going to write down my change date in my Tank Calender, so I don't forget. Thanks for the info

 

[diverdick]

When you can afford it...LOL I typically go 1 year for MH

 

[tmz]

I go a year on mh and 6 to 9 months on vho. Pc should go a year+.,in my opinion.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

my Hamilton 14k is .... sheesh.... I can't remember how old!
I'll have to look it up.
No unusual algae growth, either.
Do you run SE or DE Hamiltons, Mark?

IME most halides are good for at least 12 months. One notable exception were the Radium's that I've used. They seem to fizzle after 10 months. I've used Iwasakis for 3+ years.

VHO fluorescents are probably shot after 8-10 months.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

uh oh!

uh oh!

must be time to change the Hamilton out! :lol:

Here's an Acro I've had for over 10 years. It's currently growing under a 250w Iwasaki and a 400w 14k Hamilton. It also receives lighting from VHO actinics and sunshine (from a skylight). I have a (relatively) high nutrient system (anemones are heavy eaters) and I don't use zeovit. This coral looks even more impressive under higher k lighting (alone).

this post was made in January of 2006 and I'm still running the same Hamilton 400 watt halide.

Funny thing is... I notice more algae growth whenever I put a new halide in.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I run DEs w/ magnetic ballasts.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

maybe that has something to do with it. I dunno...

 

[Flanders]

Funny thing is... I notice more algae growth whenever I put a new halide in.

that makes sense though given that there are two factors at play, the spectrum shift and the bulb just getting dimmer overall. capt. cully is seeing more algae when the bulb shifts spectrum - I've definitely noticed this.

but if you've been running that particular bulb for four years (lol), I would imagine that the spectrum shift was over years ago and its replacement is going to be significantly brighter.

nice running into you on saturday!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I used to run Iwasaki 6500k so when the spectrum shifts in a 14k bulb where does it end up.... 10k?

I dunno.

I'm probably the exception rather than the rule but my corals always seem to look the best when I'm supposed to change out my halide lamps.

 

[becon776]

I'm probably the exception rather than the rule but my corals always seem to look the best when I'm supposed to change out my halide lamps.

hahah that sounds about right.

 

[pascal32]

For t5s I write the new date on them with a sharpie on the edge, that way I can't forget