How often do you change your Bulbs

[Rugbyfish]

I have read a couple of different things and I was always slow to change my light bulbs, as I was not using them as many hours per day as most (and I was trying to save a $ or 2) But now with some algea problems, I am about to wage war on the algea. This prompted a question, how often do you change your light bulbs (VHO, Halides, T-5s)?

Thank you for participating.

[chewie]

MH= 1year

Actinics= 9mos.

[andy]

Actinics 6 - 9 months, MH a couple of years.

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/7/aafeature1

 

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/ac/index.php

[Nyles]

MH bulbs 7 months but could easily go 10, T-5 18 months.

[impur]

18-24 months on my T5s. There wasn't an option so i didn't vote.

[TAD]

I will start by saying I don't know much about lighting. But I would think metal halides are not all the same and cant be lumped together. Maybe I am wrong but I would think Double ended bulbs vs single ended bulbs there would be a difference. Also wouldn't certain brands make better or worse quality bulbs? And then wattage would be a consideration and the quality of the ballast and starter. Also would a 20k light have a different life span then a 10k bulb with all other things being equal? I don't mean to hijack but rather am trying to learn a little more about bulbs myself.

[Rugbyfish]

Its all good, the more info to share the better.

[Rugbyfish]

Wow Andy, thank you for your contribution. Very interesting.

[Michael7979]

I voted 9 months.

But honestly it is longer sometimes.

[downhill_biker]

I change my MH every 18 months. This is due to a thread posted in Reefkeeping Mag. about the PAR over time. Here is the link if anyone is interested in reading.

 

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/ac/index.php

[downhill_biker]

oh, didnt see that andy had posted the link. it is a good article isn't it? i found that about a year ago, and have been trying to tell as many people as possible ever since.

[andy]

Yeah, it's one of my favorites too. There are a couple of places where people get shafted in the hobby and IMO frequent bulb replacement is one of them.

[CA2OR]

your supposed to change your bulbs? J\k. Snowpunk there are no options here that fit you. Maybe we need a 12+ option here.