Changing lights

[Jessica]

I have been doing a lot of reading. One of my books are saying that I should change my lights every 6mo, even if they are working, becuase it emits red wavelengths? I am using 2 blue and 2 actinic lights made by Giesemann.

[dhoch]

Usefullness of bulbs relative to time depends on the type of bulbs, ballast and the hours used. But as a general statement it is true that over time the wavelength of the bulbs we use shifts, and therefore they should be replaced on a regular basis.

 

I'm guessing by the names of the bulbs that you have a T5 setup. Assuming they are not (over) driven by a Ice Cap ballast than you will probably get a year or so of good life out of them.

 

Dave

[quazi]

I am using T5s and VHOs. The VHOs are driven by an IceCap 660. I change them every 6-8 months. Looking at the T5s (driven by a T5 electronic ballast) I guess they are going to require the same schedule. The change in coral behaviour is subtle, so I just stick to a schedule. By the time you realize the light need changing you will have unhappy corals that will need a month or so to come back to "happiness"

Edited April 25, 2007 by quazi

[rsaavedra]

I have been doing a lot of reading. One of my books are saying that I should change my lights every 6mo, even if they are working, becuase it emits red wavelengths? I am using 2 blue and 2 actinic lights made by Giesemann.

 

Welcome Jessica!!! This is a great club with lots of knowledge and willing to share it.

 

Usefullness of bulbs relative to time depends on the type of bulbs, ballast and the hours used. But as a general statement it is true that over time the wavelength of the bulbs we use shifts, and therefore they should be replaced on a regular basis.

 

I'm guessing by the names of the bulbs that you have a T5 setup. Assuming they are not (over) driven by a Ice Cap ballast than you will probably get a year or so of good life out of them.

 

Dave

 

Jessica, Dave is absolutely correct on his statement but I disagree with the last sentence (I'm not saying he is wrong but I believe to be otherwise, however that is subject to individual interpretation).

 

I have read that if the T5's are not overdriven the can go between 21-24 months on the good side of the spectrum, now general consent by most people I know (myself included) will replace their bulbs between 12-18 months.

 

 

Raf

Edited April 25, 2007 by rsaavedra

[DaveS]

Anyone have a good place to get replacement bulbs?

 

How about a group buy??

Edited April 25, 2007 by DaveS

[rsaavedra]

Anyone have a good place to get replacement bulbs?

 

How about a group buy??

 

Locally BRK, order for Geissman contact YBENORMAL on the boards and for other brands contact reefgeek.com those are the sources that I use when I need T5 bulbs.

 

Raf

[rooroo]

I ordered UVL bulbs from Championlighting.com last time.

[Makai]

I might be interested in a group buy if someone finds a good place to order and is interested. I could use some MH 250 DE bulbs. I understand that Marine Depot will price match prices on everything they sell.

 

-Pam

 

 

Anyone have a good place to get replacement bulbs?

 

How about a group buy??

[Almon]

I thought this was a good article of the decline of bulbs over time http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/ac/index.php

 

It measured the output of several bulbs over time and had the following conclusion:

 

I have shown how the output of one particular metal halide bulb diminishes initially and then slows its decline over time. Knowledge of the bulb

Edited April 25, 2007 by Almon

[Black Mammoth]

Becareful when replacing your bulbs. You want to do it slowly over a period of time. You don't want to replace all of them at once. That might stress out your corals (i.e. bleaching). Maybe a bulb every week or two.