How long before bulb replacement?

[boardsurfer]

Ok, so if I'm spending about 500 bucks for a coralife 4x96 watt for my 55gal, how long before I need to (or should) replace the bulbs? It's really hard to spend that kind of dough if I need to replace the bulbs after 12 months or so...

Thanks...

 

[electrikat]

Most people and websites will tell you to replace blue actinics after 6 to 8 months and regular daylight bulbs after 8 to 12 months. The longer you wait after this, the more algae problems you will have. The blues have a shorter lifespan before they start to weaken. You will not be able to tell by looking at them either.

 

[Atari]

Not much choice really, they just don't last more than a year.. I've heard T5 tubes last longer but can't say for sure.