Lifespan

B192734 · 10/01/2007, 01:51 PM

Any one have any info about the lifespan of the bulbs in a PC? Right now mine are about 1 1/2 years old on the bulbs. Just wondering what the length of use does in regards to light.

Buddyboy · 10/01/2007, 03:45 PM

Ugh!!! Not sure what it does to the light, but I know you are due for a change!

Some people report nuisance algae and other problems when a bulb is used for too long. I have a Coralife PC fixture and I wouldn't go beyond 10-12 months on a bulb. Many people say 8 months.

The only caveat is if you have a fish only tank. Then I would think it's not as important.

Good luck!

B192734 · 10/01/2007, 03:56 PM

Nope it's got coral in it as well. I guess it's about time to change...

Buddyboy · 10/01/2007, 03:58 PM

Yeah, expensive, but necessary sad to say!

oldreefer76 · 10/01/2007, 08:32 PM

most pc start to shift after 6 mos, ran them years ago and will never go back again, they run hot, have low par and are quickly becoming obsolete imho

B192734 · 10/02/2007, 10:12 AM

I heard something about a T-6 from a LFS. Can't find anything about them online. Would that be about the same thing as the T-5 or different? Outside of MH (which right this moment is possibly out of price range) what would be the best bet for a smaller tank, if I were to step away from PC?

DarG · 10/02/2007, 10:23 AM

T5 would probably be the least expensive in terms of bang for the buck if you were to switch from PC's ... T5's are: readily available. Lots of bulb color choices and different manufaturers. Highly effective reflectors. Dont take up much room to make alot of light. Relatively inexpensive. Bulbs are good for about 18 months for the whites and a little less for the blues. Energy efficient compared to other lighting sources.

4 lamp HO T5 setup for 300 bucks give or take a little ... ballasts, endcaps, endcap mounts, reflectors and bulbs ... if you can DIY.
If money is really tight you can always start with 2 bulb set-up for about 150 or less and then add bulbs later.

B192734 · 10/02/2007, 02:42 PM

Well right now I'm looking at keeping my 29g running. Not quite ready to upgrade the size of tank. Have to deal with housing first. So I would imagine that a 2 bulb setup would be just fine for size of tank?

10/01/2007, 01:51 PM	#1
B192734 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 92	Lifespan Any one have any info about the lifespan of the bulbs in a PC? Right now mine are about 1 1/2 years old on the bulbs. Just wondering what the length of use does in regards to light.

10/01/2007, 08:32 PM	#5
oldreefer76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fairview Park Ohio Posts: 2,452	most pc start to shift after 6 mos, ran them years ago and will never go back again, they run hot, have low par and are quickly becoming obsolete imho __________________ 15G and working on getting better Current Tank Info: 15G and building

10/01/2007, 03:45 PM	#2
Buddyboy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 211	Ugh!!! Not sure what it does to the light, but I know you are due for a change! Some people report nuisance algae and other problems when a bulb is used for too long. I have a Coralife PC fixture and I wouldn't go beyond 10-12 months on a bulb. Many people say 8 months. The only caveat is if you have a fish only tank. Then I would think it's not as important. Good luck!

10/01/2007, 03:56 PM	#3
B192734 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 92	Nope it's got coral in it as well. I guess it's about time to change...

10/01/2007, 03:58 PM	#4
Buddyboy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 211	Yeah, expensive, but necessary sad to say!

10/02/2007, 10:12 AM	#6
B192734 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 92	I heard something about a T-6 from a LFS. Can't find anything about them online. Would that be about the same thing as the T-5 or different? Outside of MH (which right this moment is possibly out of price range) what would be the best bet for a smaller tank, if I were to step away from PC?

10/02/2007, 10:23 AM	#7
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	T5 would probably be the least expensive in terms of bang for the buck if you were to switch from PC's ... T5's are: readily available. Lots of bulb color choices and different manufaturers. Highly effective reflectors. Dont take up much room to make alot of light. Relatively inexpensive. Bulbs are good for about 18 months for the whites and a little less for the blues. Energy efficient compared to other lighting sources. 4 lamp HO T5 setup for 300 bucks give or take a little ... ballasts, endcaps, endcap mounts, reflectors and bulbs ... if you can DIY. If money is really tight you can always start with 2 bulb set-up for about 150 or less and then add bulbs later.

10/02/2007, 02:42 PM	#8
B192734 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 92	Well right now I'm looking at keeping my 29g running. Not quite ready to upgrade the size of tank. Have to deal with housing first. So I would imagine that a 2 bulb setup would be just fine for size of tank?