How Often Do You Change Your Lights

[StandbySetting]

I'd agree with Andy on the halides, they run at higher temperatures and pressures, so their useful power output wont be as long as a T5 tube would be.

 

[ALW]

I'd agree with Andy on the halides, they run at higher temperatures and pressures, so their useful power output wont be as long as a T5 tube would be.

Yep they burn up quicker than T5s

 

[ben1987]

I dont know anyone that changes their halides after 6 months. I know plenty that change their t5s though. The operating temperatures arent really comparable as they are completely different bulb types and 1 t5 tube maybe 54w compared to a 400w halide bulb. The 400w will always be hotter.

My mates halie bulbs par output hadly changed at all in the first 4-5 months. Infact after 2 weeks it rose steadily as the bulb 'burnt in' for a little while and was still pretty good after about 14 months. That was a blv, so middle of the run bulb.

T5s last longer say 9 months in an activly cooled unit like an ati.

 

[fishy55599]

with your common soft corals I'd say every 12-24 months as it's not as important that colour temperature is maintained.

Agree with the 12 months if you plan only softies, would be a bit worried about pushing for 24 though unless a fowlr, however, Fishy, thought you planned on having some hard corals?

i dont know what hard corals require so im sticking with what i know for now
so if i wait a month or 2 it will be fine

 

[seffieuk]

With your stocking yes, but as soon as you put in some hard corals or reach 12 months I would change them

 

[fishy55599]

i plan to change my lights soon