Change Bulbs - How Often??

NEWSALT · Feb 14, 2008

I'm wondering when I should change the bulbs on my tank. I'm running two 250W 12k Reeflux SE MH and two 110W Super Actinic VHO's. They are on the following photoperiod:

12 noon: VHO's ON
1 pm: 1st MH ON
1:30 pm: 2nd MH ON
8pm: 1st MH OFF
8:30pm: 2nd MH OFF
9pm: VHO's OFF

The last time I changed the MH was May of 07. The last time I changed the VHO's was Sept. of 07. What do you think?

MikeNapoli · Feb 14, 2008

Are your corals coloring down or anything? Doesn't sound like you need to change the VHOs. The Metal Halides should be soon.

mott768 · Feb 14, 2008

Mike, you should get a year maybe a month longer out of the reeflux 12k's, Mine will be a year old March 2nd and as long as I don't see a change in the tank I plan on pushing them till the end of March.

NEWSALT · Feb 14, 2008

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mott768 said:
Mike, you should get a year maybe a month longer out of the reeflux 12k's, Mine will be a year old March 2nd and as long as I don't see a change in the tank I plan on pushing them till the end of March.

Tom, what Ballast are you using? I'm using ARO ballast from Hellolights. That might make a difference for me.

I've got a hair algea problem. That's why I thought the MHs might be over due

mott768 · Feb 15, 2008

I'm using a SLS galaxy, ARO electronic ballasts is comparable to a Ice cap ballast. I run one on my frag tank.

blange3 · Feb 15, 2008

Mike,

I change VHO's between 12 and 18 months.

Hawkeye · Feb 15, 2008

with the VHOs - given that they are actinics - it really depends on your personal preference. Actinics aren't "required" for coral growth. I'd stretch em 18 months like blange said.

mynd · Feb 15, 2008

Based on my reading it seems pretty common that most bulbs lose 25% of their light in the first 3 - 5 months. After 6 months the decline of light up to one year is only another 6%, so there is no reason to change out your bulb after 6 months like people like to tell you. However, If you do the math you can easily figure out your time frame and all of them are reasonable. Most lights have a 6000 hour life span. Even if you cut that down to 3000 and divide by 6 hours a day or 10 for some of you that is still a 500 or 300 day life span or almost 1 - 1.5 years. Changing out inside a year is just common place since you don't want to burn your corals with a new bulb having let the bulb be in use for 2 years. Make sense? lol.. I was just rambling..