First experience with lights

[rBeOeBf]

I've got 2 55 watt PCs on my 29g, and I also thought that after a while they didn't look as bright. But when I eventually replaced the bulbs, after over a year, the new bulbs didn't seem any brighter than the old ones. I remember the tank being blinding to look at when i first upgraded from 20 watts NO to 110 watts PC, but it's not blinding at all now to look at. I'm still not sure if the bulbs are somehow dimmer than before, or if my eyes have just gotten used to it...

-Bob

 

[Gatortailale1]

I have 6 bulbs total over my 125. 2 96w 10,000k; 2 96w 8800; and 2 55w 7100 act. Blue. I ran the blue for 9 months before I replaced. The last 2 months prior to replacement I had a green algae outbreak on back and overflows. I noticed the blue was much brighter once I replaced and I'm back to getting the coraline algae to grow back. I am having decent success keeping a few SPS under this light. I just got a staghorn sps frag 2 weeks ago to see how that does. It's going to have to end up being placed near top for max light. Also, more you burn them the sooner you need to replace. My blues on about 12+ hours a day so next time I will replace w/n 5 months.

Best of luck. hope this helps.

 

[Mike&Pam]

So what you are saying is that the bulb just gets dimmer after time, rather than all of the sudden cutting off like a regular light bulb?

 

[oyster]

flourescents, which is basically what PC is, does not suddenly die off like regular bulbs such as incandecents. the flourescents intensity will slowly disintegrate and an effective flourescent last only about 6 months. i'm talking about NOs here. PCs lifespan may be slightly longer, but still working on the same principle.

 

[Mike&Pam]

Hello. I have 2 96 watt power compact bulb lighting system on my 90 gal. My tank has only been running along with the lights for about 5 months now. I notice things are not looking as bright as usual lately. Do the bulbs gradually fade out as they become weaker or do they just all of the sudden burn out like a normal light bulb? I think the blue actinic (please excuse my spelling)doesn't look as bright as it used to, especially when i just turn that on to see. Also, my live rock has been looking a little more green lately. Could the light situation be part of that if it indeed is fading? Finally, if it is fading, is 5 months about how long it usually takes until it's time to replace the bulb? Thanks very much everyone.

Mike