Replacing VHO's?

[greg_keyser]

My LFS tells me that it's generally a good idea to replace VHO bulbs once a year, since their effectiveness wears out over time.

Is there any truth to this? It just feels a bit weird to me throwing away a bulb that appears to be working quite well.

I have a 50g reef tank that's about 3 years old, and doing quite well. I've replaced the lights each year so far, and it's about time to do it again. I just hate to deviate from what's been working, but also wanted some other opinions.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[tdrhodes]

Trust me on this change your bulbs! If you want to grow a hair algae farm don't change! Once the color spectrum changes(as in older bulbs) it promotes the growth of problem algae.
You might look at the archives on this subject. I'm sure there is plenty on poor light and the growth of algae.
Rhodes

 

[monkeyboy]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by GregK:
<strong>Is there any truth to this? It just feels a bit weird to me throwing away a bulb that appears to be working quite well.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Key word: "appears"

rhodes is right, the spectral quality of flourescent lamps goes down the tubes over time and shifts to a more red spectrum. And it just so happens that algae love red wavelengths, figures huh? If you're not using an electronic ballast the lamps can degrade quicker than 12 months.

 

[louey louey]

Listen to the above posts. They know what they speak. I waited 14 months and am now battling hair algea. I'm thinking of changing them every 10 months from now on. An yes, I was using an Icecap!

You don't really think they need to replaced, but once you do you can tell a noticeable difference when you open the hood. They blind you!

[ January 25, 2002: Message edited by: louey louey ]</p>

 

[greg_keyser]

Thanks to all for the responses. I guess that makes is pretty clear (no pun intended

)

Greg