Energy Saver fuge bulb problems?

Timbor · 03/28/2008, 07:18 PM

Hi there,

I have been running a Phillips "Marathon Energy saver" bulb on my refugium for the past several months. It is rated at 27w and 5000k.

This link shows the same type of bulb, just the 6500k version (I couldn't find the 5000k online)

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber

I was just wondering if people have had problems with these or other similar bulbs burning out too soon. My first bulb was on 24/7 and after about 6 months, I had it turned off for a while, and when I turned it back on, it would not light. The bulb would glow a bit where the tubes came out of the base, that's it.

I then put a new bulb in, and had it on a timer for a reverse photoperiod. After a month or less, it did the same thing.

I thought these things were supposed to last years. Any ideas why they burned out so fast?

Thanks,

Tim

Timbor · 03/28/2008, 10:05 PM

anyone?

silverwolf72 · 03/28/2008, 10:51 PM

All of the CF lamps I've used in my house have always blown way before they say there rated for. I really think they rate them for continuous use, which is a lot less stressful on the bulb.

Timbor · 03/29/2008, 08:10 AM

When you say continuous use, do you mean leaving it on straight until it burns out?

Young Frankenstein · 03/29/2008, 08:15 AM

Once a week at least turn any chemical bulb off for a minimum of 1 hr. Thats a recommendation from most manufacturers. Chaeto and any plant needs wresting period in order to calcify for about 6 hrs, theres no benefit of running a refugeum 24/7.

Pescados · 03/29/2008, 08:52 AM

yes I did have issues. With that same bulb. Seems the ceramic base heats up and cracks.

Try this one sylvania 100 watt spiral power compact from lowes.
It is 6700k and runs much, much cooler. Very powerful light as well, my par meter has it a 1100 after 2 months use.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1353522

03/28/2008, 07:18 PM	#1
Timbor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 554	Energy Saver fuge bulb problems? Hi there, I have been running a Phillips "Marathon Energy saver" bulb on my refugium for the past several months. It is rated at 27w and 5000k. This link shows the same type of bulb, just the 6500k version (I couldn't find the 5000k online) http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber I was just wondering if people have had problems with these or other similar bulbs burning out too soon. My first bulb was on 24/7 and after about 6 months, I had it turned off for a while, and when I turned it back on, it would not light. The bulb would glow a bit where the tubes came out of the base, that's it. I then put a new bulb in, and had it on a timer for a reverse photoperiod. After a month or less, it did the same thing. I thought these things were supposed to last years. Any ideas why they burned out so fast? Thanks, Tim __________________ "I bet a funny thing about driving a car off a cliff is; while you're in midair you still hit those brakes... Hey, better try the emergency brake! - J.H." Current Tank Info: None currently

03/28/2008, 10:05 PM	#2
Timbor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 554	anyone? __________________ "I bet a funny thing about driving a car off a cliff is; while you're in midair you still hit those brakes... Hey, better try the emergency brake! - J.H." Current Tank Info: None currently

03/29/2008, 08:10 AM	#4
Timbor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 554	When you say continuous use, do you mean leaving it on straight until it burns out? __________________ "I bet a funny thing about driving a car off a cliff is; while you're in midair you still hit those brakes... Hey, better try the emergency brake! - J.H." Current Tank Info: None currently

03/28/2008, 10:51 PM	#3
silverwolf72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lake Forrest CA Posts: 1,732	All of the CF lamps I've used in my house have always blown way before they say there rated for. I really think they rate them for continuous use, which is a lot less stressful on the bulb.

03/29/2008, 08:15 AM	#5
Young Frankenstein Moved On Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami Florida. Posts: 3,842	Once a week at least turn any chemical bulb off for a minimum of 1 hr. Thats a recommendation from most manufacturers. Chaeto and any plant needs wresting period in order to calcify for about 6 hrs, theres no benefit of running a refugeum 24/7.

03/29/2008, 08:52 AM	#6
Pescados Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: A town Posts: 485	yes I did have issues. With that same bulb. Seems the ceramic base heats up and cracks. Try this one sylvania 100 watt spiral power compact from lowes. It is 6700k and runs much, much cooler. Very powerful light as well, my par meter has it a 1100 after 2 months use. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1353522