[orion25]

I have a 4X96watt PC setup. 2 10,000K and 2 Actinic bulbs. When should I replace the bulbs? The 4 are about 1 year old now. To lessen the wallet impact I was planning on replacing 1 of each now and the other 2 in 6 months. That way I would be on a 6 month replacement cycle.

Would there be any problem with this thinking??

[marxsman]

that is what i use, I go about 9 months on the bulbs. I just changed them. I could see a dramatic difference in the tank. also when they are off, pull a white bulb and look at the end. if it's turning black replace it. I also recommend looking at the sponsored sights and ordering bulbs off the internet. the prices are far better than I could get at my lps. I just paid 200.00 for four bulbs. I shoulda got on line first and took my own advise. if anything replace the white first, since the blue are not true actinic.

Originally Posted by orion25

I have a 4X96watt PC setup. 2 10,000K and 2 Actinic bulbs. When should I replace the bulbs? The 4 are about 1 year old now. To lessen the wallet impact I was planning on replacing 1 of each now and the other 2 in 6 months. That way I would be on a 6 month replacement cycle.

Would there be any problem with this thinking??

[Reefland]

Hi orion,

I know some people suggest that bulbs can run for 18 months without any detrimental affects, but I think 12 months is the longest any bulb should run. I don't have any fancy charts to prove my statement so take it as my opinion.

[orion25]

An opinion is all I needed. Thanks Scott!