Trolldoll Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 How often should you change the bulbs? I have the NEP with stock bulbs. Link to comment
Diatome Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 How often should you change the bulbs? I have the NEP with stock bulbs. First the stock bulb answer, change them now. I have a 6 bulb NEP and I changed out a couple of the bulbs at the start and realized how bad the stock bulbs were in comparison. I still ran them and was happy with the tank but now I have swapped out all of the bulbs and I am blown away with the change. Back to the actual question; I personally would not go longer than 12 months but 12 is doable. If it was overdriven bulbs, I would go only 6-9. I have a midday bulb in my new setup and have heard 9 months for these. I know my ATI's will go 12. Some have gone 18 on T5's but I think you get back to the point where your corals are just surviving. I accidently went over 14 on my stock bulbs and basically watched the diatoms take over. Switched bulbs and they are gone. Link to comment
disaster999 Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 +1, i wouldnt go longer than a year on the T5s also. Link to comment
lakshwadeep Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 12 months seems to be the normal recommendation. I just recently replaced my 11 month bulbs, and I can see a noticeable shift in spectrum when comparing the old and new bulbs. Link to comment
Trolldoll Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 Thanks Unfortunately I have the 20" NEP. Last time I checked current was the only one making a bulb this size. Has anyone heard of other manufactures? I've been waiting. Link to comment
disaster999 Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 nope, only current carries them Link to comment
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