UV bulbs- how long are they effective?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by Todd_Sails, Apr 18, 2012.

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  1. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Yes, I'm talking UV filter bulbs, not LED's.

    Anyways,
    I just replace my 18W turbo twist UV bulb.
    I now have it on my chaeto/sump lights timer, so it's only on about 12 hrs a day. The Maxijet supplying it runs 24/7.

    I did this 'cause my LFS guy said they are only effective for 6 months- at 24/7.

    YOur thoughts, objective data?

    TIA
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2012
    Todd_Sails, Apr 18, 2012
    Todd_Sails, Apr 18, 2012
    #1

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  2. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    Following
     
    ingtar_shinowa, Apr 18, 2012
    ingtar_shinowa, Apr 18, 2012
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  3. pink4miss

    pink4miss Panda Puffer

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    the manual for your uv says that uv's bulb has a effective life of 8000 hours, so thats about 11 months running 24/7
     
    pink4miss, Apr 18, 2012
    pink4miss, Apr 18, 2012
    #3
  4. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks for that objective data!

    Now, what do you (collective) do?
     
    Todd_Sails, Apr 18, 2012
    Todd_Sails, Apr 18, 2012
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  5. pink4miss

    pink4miss Panda Puffer

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    i run mine 24/7 the manufacture of my unit calls for a 14 month bulb replacement. i believe they are meant to be run 24/7
     
    pink4miss, Apr 18, 2012
    pink4miss, Apr 18, 2012
    #5
  6. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    I run mine 24/7 and replace annually!
     
    Thatgrimguy, Apr 19, 2012
    Thatgrimguy, Apr 19, 2012
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  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks,

    I was running 24/7, my bulb burned out (I think it was because I often tapped the UV filter on my stand to release any caught air bubbles). Got the new bulb for $15 sippped off Ebay!

    I'm trying the 12/12 method for a while.
     
    Todd_Sails, Apr 19, 2012
    Todd_Sails, Apr 19, 2012
    #7
  8. jeff@zina.com

    [email protected] Flamingo Tongue

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    +1.

    Jeff
     
    [email protected], Apr 22, 2012
    [email protected], Apr 22, 2012
    #8