how often do you change your bulbs

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by chadwielinga, Jul 16, 2010.

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  1. tgood

    tgood Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2010
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    Location:
    Annville, PA
    I have an Outer Orbit lighting system and I have not changed the bulbs since I bought it 2 1/2 years ago. I was going to wait until they burn out because I haven't had any issues. Is that a bad idea? System contains 2 double actinics and 2 MH
     
    tgood, Jul 18, 2010
    tgood, Jul 18, 2010
    #21

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  2. banthonyb71

    banthonyb71 Millepora

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
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    947
    But what he is implying is that it burned from one side. SO he is suggesting by turning the bullbs around monthly that they will burn from the otherside. This is what I am asking if is true?
     
    banthonyb71, Jul 18, 2010
    banthonyb71, Jul 18, 2010
    #22
  3. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2009
    Messages:
    2,703
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    wow! yeah you need to change your bulbs. I would do the mh first and wait a week then do the actinics. after installing new mh bulbs, reduce Mh lighting cycle by 2hrs and slowly bring it back up over the next week or two.
     
    Night-Rida, Jul 18, 2010
    Night-Rida, Jul 18, 2010
    #23
  4. telstar

    telstar Fire Worm

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    Aug 19, 2008
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    Location:
    Coral Springs, Fl.
    ok here is a dumb newbie question. how can old bulbs cause algae to grow?
     
    telstar, Jul 23, 2010
    telstar, Jul 23, 2010
    #24
  5. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    2,059
    Location:
    Sparks, Nv
    As they age the color spectrum shifts in them more towards the red. This is the spectrum algae loves.
     
    pgoodsell, Jul 23, 2010
    pgoodsell, Jul 23, 2010
    #25
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