Burn In???

RudeBoy · 08/26/2007, 03:24 PM

About a week ago, I switched from Astrolux 14k HQI's to the Phoenix 14k's and the color from these bulbs is unbelievable. However, I am experiencing a change in the color of my RBTA, my Frogspawn and some of my Cap. They have a "washed out" looked to them and I'm curious to know if this can be attributed to "burn in" from the new bulbs. I've only been dealing with MH lighting for the last year and I'm kinda curious to know if this will change and if so, when.

I'm currently running 2 - 150w 14k's over my 65g and I've been told that I should've went with 2 - 250w's instead. I don't see the logic in that and I have a hard enough time keeping the temp down with 150w bulbs. Anybody have any insight on this?

DarG · 08/26/2007, 05:45 PM

If the switch was only a week ago, I would think that maybe the new bulbs have signifigantly higher par than the old ones. Maybe try raising your hood or fixture or reducing your photoperiod for a while.

As far as wattage, if everything is looking good and growing, you are fine with the 150 watt. No need to change to 250 if 150 is doing the job well.

RudeBoy · 08/26/2007, 06:31 PM

Yeah, the bulb change was actually 5 days ago and it's kind of bothering me. What causes corals to wash out like that and how long does it usually last? I was thinking that I had an alkalinity issue but all my params are fine.

08/26/2007, 03:24 PM	#1
RudeBoy Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Greece, NY Posts: 728	Burn In??? About a week ago, I switched from Astrolux 14k HQI's to the Phoenix 14k's and the color from these bulbs is unbelievable. However, I am experiencing a change in the color of my RBTA, my Frogspawn and some of my Cap. They have a "washed out" looked to them and I'm curious to know if this can be attributed to "burn in" from the new bulbs. I've only been dealing with MH lighting for the last year and I'm kinda curious to know if this will change and if so, when. I'm currently running 2 - 150w 14k's over my 65g and I've been told that I should've went with 2 - 250w's instead. I don't see the logic in that and I have a hard enough time keeping the temp down with 150w bulbs. Anybody have any insight on this? __________________ "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for mankind..." - Horace Mann Current Tank Info: 65g AGA RR, 20g long Sump, ASM G2 Skimmer, Closed Loop System w/ Mag 9.5 Return, 2 AI Prime HD LED Modules, Custom Stand/Canopy, Various residents

08/26/2007, 06:31 PM	#3
RudeBoy Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Greece, NY Posts: 728	Yeah, the bulb change was actually 5 days ago and it's kind of bothering me. What causes corals to wash out like that and how long does it usually last? I was thinking that I had an alkalinity issue but all my params are fine. __________________ "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for mankind..." - Horace Mann Current Tank Info: 65g AGA RR, 20g long Sump, ASM G2 Skimmer, Closed Loop System w/ Mag 9.5 Return, 2 AI Prime HD LED Modules, Custom Stand/Canopy, Various residents

08/26/2007, 05:45 PM	#2
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	If the switch was only a week ago, I would think that maybe the new bulbs have signifigantly higher par than the old ones. Maybe try raising your hood or fixture or reducing your photoperiod for a while. As far as wattage, if everything is looking good and growing, you are fine with the 150 watt. No need to change to 250 if 150 is doing the job well.