When do you replace VHO actinics?

[Nanook01]

Functionally, do the VHO actinic bulbs do anything for the corals or are they mainly aesthetic?? I am curious as to how long I should keep them before replacing them. I have two VHO 110w bulbs over my 120g, with 2-250w HQI pendants. The bulbs are mainly for dawn/dusk effects, at least that is what is in the back of my mind. How long do you keep them before replacing them? Thanks,

Nanook

[PerryinCA]

If they are in standard ballasts, I would change them every 12 months. If on Icecap, I'd change mine (actinic supplements) every 18-20 months. For main tank lights with Icecap, I change every 14-16 months. Just my thoughts...

-Perry

[icemark]

Yep I agree with Perry exactly.

[Duncan]

Nanook,
I use icecap ballasts to run my URI vho's and I change out the bulbs every 8 to 10 months. Even though I believe that these bulbs are the best that are out there, I have noticed a shift in this time frame. This shift can really be seen as soon as you turn on newly replaced bulbs. Just my .02 worth.

Duncan.

[Ironreef]

IME actinic vho does help corals grow I use to have a 55g with 2 actinic and 1 50/50 but then 2 and 2 later. But anyway they grew corals. I changed mine every yr and notices some corals growth. But now i have actinic with halides in a 120g. dawn/dusk samething but i use 3. If its not your primary lighting it maynot matter but I change mine every 12-18mo depending on $$$

[Nanook01]

Seems like the consensus is 12-18 months for the VHO actinics. Thanks for your help!!

Nanook