9 month old compact bulbs ok for corals?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by SwimsWithFish, Dec 7, 2011.

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  1. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    A few weeks ago I bought a used biocube 29. The owner said the bulbs were 9 months old... Will I be ok with adding some corals or do they need to be replaced?
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 7, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 7, 2011
    #1

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  2. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    I would replace them. Look at the ends of the bulbs and if they have brown/dark rings toward the ends then they definately need to be changed out.
     
    JJL, Dec 7, 2011
    JJL, Dec 7, 2011
    #2
  3. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

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    +1 i would replace.
     
    SAY, Dec 7, 2011
    SAY, Dec 7, 2011
    #3
  4. bwalker9801

    bwalker9801 Zoanthid

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    +2 replace them
     
    bwalker9801, Dec 7, 2011
    bwalker9801, Dec 7, 2011
    #4
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    +2 replace them

    LOL make that +3.
     
    2in10, Dec 7, 2011
    2in10, Dec 7, 2011
    #5
  6. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    I guess I'm +3 on replace
     
    coylee_17, Dec 7, 2011
    coylee_17, Dec 7, 2011
    #6

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  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +4 (maybe 5?)

    IMOPE, PC bulbs lose their color spectrum in roughly 6 months, although the bulb would last much longer.
     
    Mr. Bill, Dec 7, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Dec 7, 2011
    #7
  8. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    +6 replace them.

    Lol just kidding, I'll replace them before i add corals.
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 7, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 7, 2011
    #8
  9. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Quote from Dr Foster/Smith:

    "The intensity of a bulb diminishes over time and even though the bulb will still light, it may not be emitting the necessary spectrum or intensity to support proper growth. In many instances, the diminished light output can encourage nuisance algae growth so it is important to replace compact fluorescent bulbs every 14 to 24 months. For reef aquariums, it may be necessary to replace the bulbs more often depending on the species being kept."

    According to this my 9 month bulbs should be ok. Agree or disagree?
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 27, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 27, 2011
    #9
  10. SwimsWithFish

    SwimsWithFish Giant Squid

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    Bump
     
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 27, 2011
    SwimsWithFish, Dec 27, 2011
    #10
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