jdiver Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 I've had a 32w SmartLite over my 7 gallon nano for about 7 months. The bulb still works, but I'm wondering if I should replace it anyway. I would assume bulbs lose their brightness/output over time, and even if it's not burned out completely might not be nearly as intense. Is this true or not? Link to comment
Satchmo Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 As the bulbs age, the spectrum shifts more toward the red end. This is why you start getting cyano and other microalgae problems when the bulbs get old. At 7 months you're probably still OK, but they will need to be changed in the near future. I've heard everything from 8 to 12 months for PC bulbs. Link to comment
jdiver Posted November 20, 2002 Author Share Posted November 20, 2002 Thanks for the reply Satchmo. I don't have any algae problems yet (he types as the algae bursts forth in his tank ), but I'll likely replace the bulb within the next month just to be safe. Link to comment
loganj Posted November 20, 2002 Share Posted November 20, 2002 Always been told: every 6 months for VHO, every 12 months for PC. As always, YMMV. Logan J Link to comment
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