VHO Color shift period

[reefdope]

Anyone know the standard color shift period for URI VHO bulbs? I was told they last about 6 months. Anyone verify this with a lux meter or something? If so, geez they are expensive compared with my halides.

TIA (oh and sorry if this is a repeat )

[jsaltzgi]

I believe that the six month figure is for bulbs run on a standard coil and core ballast. For those that use electronic ballasts (IceCap is probably the best) the number is more like 12-16 months. IceCap uses a little different method of firing the bulbs than the standard ballasts, which is easier on the bulbs.;)

James

[reefdope]

Wow, is there a study or some tests that shows this? Or something you could point me to that relays this cause that's pretty good. I though it was a lot less time than that. I was kinda regretting paying for the IceCap since its a lot more than some others out there.

[vtec si]

I am running 3 ICE CAP ballast firering 7 5' URI bulbs for the last 11 months. It is almost time to change them! Your tank will also show signs when its time to change them!



VTEC SI

[IceCap Service]

We at IceCap advertise 12-18 months of useful life when using our ballasts with URI lamps.

Color shifting does not happen with fluorescent lamps!!! The spectrum can diminish, but shifting cannot occur.

Chris