Question on Lifespan/Effective Hours of Power Compact Flourescent Bulbs

edaskalos · 07/31/2011, 11:41 PM

I purchased a Coralife 50/50 Power CFL fixture about 2 years ago and on average my light is on about 10 hours a day (FOWLR and in Alaska summers have LOTS of sunlight)... Anyway, I was wondering what the average lifespan or rated hours were of these types of fixtures if anyone knows? I know that regular CFLS have a typical effective lifespan (max output before degradation and gradual die off) of 6,000-10,000 hours. Anyone know? Thanks!

Ron Reefman · 08/01/2011, 05:51 AM

For your situation, with a FOWLR, I don't think it's much of an issue. Do you have any light sensative critters (animals that NEED light)? Two years is probably a good time to change. In a reef with coral, the norm for PC (and most other types of bulbs other than leds) is they be changed out every 6-12 months.

07/31/2011, 11:41 PM	#1
edaskalos Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Anchorage, AK Posts: 81	Question on Lifespan/Effective Hours of Power Compact Flourescent Bulbs I purchased a Coralife 50/50 Power CFL fixture about 2 years ago and on average my light is on about 10 hours a day (FOWLR and in Alaska summers have LOTS of sunlight)... Anyway, I was wondering what the average lifespan or rated hours were of these types of fixtures if anyone knows? I know that regular CFLS have a typical effective lifespan (max output before degradation and gradual die off) of 6,000-10,000 hours. Anyone know? Thanks! __________________ 37 Gallon FOWLR

08/01/2011, 05:51 AM	#2
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	For your situation, with a FOWLR, I don't think it's much of an issue. Do you have any light sensative critters (animals that NEED light)? Two years is probably a good time to change. In a reef with coral, the norm for PC (and most other types of bulbs other than leds) is they be changed out every 6-12 months. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

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