Power Compact Fluorescents

[Oceanicsublimat]

Do PCF bulbs lose intensity as they age? I've noticed a decline in my coralline algae recently and some of my polyps opening up as much.. one of my actinics have burned out a few months ago and I accidentally severed a wire that connected it, so I haven't replaced it.. Should I replace all the bulbs? All my readings are within normal limits and my calcium is 420 or better..

[Oceanicsublimat]

I have the coralife hood with lunar lighting led's...

[tjara03]

from waht i have read you should replace all your lights yearly... I am sure someone will correct me if i am wrong... HTH.

[lando]

they do not so much loose intensity as they do shift the spectrum a bit. As the bulbs age, you will notice a "yellowing" of the light a bit. Algae tends to like this spectrum of the light, not a good thing. Replacing CF bulbs every 9-12 months is good prctice.

[Oceanicsublimat]

thanks..I've had the bulbs now for about 9 to 11 months.. like I said, I've noticed a definate decline in my coralline.. used to be really pretty..

[zuzecawi]

Yeah, c.f. lights DO need replaced yearly. I've noticed the same kind of decline, and I also noticed that ballasts burn out easier with older bulbs. At least, they did in my Satellite fixtures. I lost one ballast each in mine, still waiting for the ballasts to come up available somewhere.