Replace Compacts?

I have 4 compacts that have been on my tank since 3/08 so its been just about 1 year. Should i replace them, they seem to still be working.

 

PC's? I believe its recommend every 6 months

 

Yup, Pack is exactly correct. Time to replace. And six months is the mark. I am in the same boat you are. My PC bulbs are very old (a few months less than yours). And my tank is beginning to show it.

 

Thank you man bear pig! haha, thanks!

 

The thing to remember with aquarium lighting is that it's not as simple as a house bulb, like it works or not. The lights will slowly lose power and even change spectrum over time, which is why there's a recommended schedule in changing them out.

 

So I'm approaching 6 mos on my pc bulbs. What is the consensus as to what brand is the best or recommended?

 

UVL makes some very good bulbs.

 

I think Aquatic Art Tech can get the UVL PC bulbs, maybe check with Tangster (Roger) or ThatGuy (Craig).
When they start to go bad you may get algea/cyano blooming even with 0 nitrates, 0 phosphates, and adequate flow.

 

Remember, only change 2 at a time with about a week or 10 days between.

 

I also have old pc's and wish i would have gotten T5's instead. Thought they were great when I first started this hobby, not no more.