Do these bulbs need replacing?

mckeec · 05/16/2006, 07:09 PM

These are 400 watt 20K XM bulbs that have been running for about 5 months. One bulb showes more carbon(?) build up at either end of the inner capsule than the other. Is this a sign that the bulb is old or faulty and should be replaced?

jdieck · 05/16/2006, 07:16 PM

Without being able to measure the PAR output the general rule is change evey 12 months. The apearance of the inner bulb normally has nothing to do unless it is really fully covered in black.

Blown 346 · 05/16/2006, 07:34 PM

I agree.

05/16/2006, 07:09 PM	#1
mckeec Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 302	Do these bulbs need replacing? These are 400 watt 20K XM bulbs that have been running for about 5 months. One bulb showes more carbon(?) build up at either end of the inner capsule than the other. Is this a sign that the bulb is old or faulty and should be replaced?

05/16/2006, 07:16 PM	#2
jdieck Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maumee, OH Posts: 15,673	Without being able to measure the PAR output the general rule is change evey 12 months. The apearance of the inner bulb normally has nothing to do unless it is really fully covered in black. __________________ Did I write what I wrote? What the heck am I talking about! Well..... Nevermind. Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef, DSB, 40 g sump w/ LRT100 return, 37 g pre-sump, 3 MH 250 W 15K, 4 96 W PC dual actinic,ETS 1500 Skim.w/LRT70, 20 lb Ca R., 40 W UV, 1/3 HP chiller, two 350 W Htrs, Neptune II Cont., 330 P LR/ 330 P LS. 55 gal Refugium

05/16/2006, 07:34 PM	#3
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	I agree.