When do I change the bulbs?

[degbowl]

I have alot of years of experience with fw tanks but only have my FOWLR tank set up for a year and a half. I normally would wait till my bulb burnt out before changing unless it was a planted tank or the light just looked very dim. I have a Current USA Orbit PowerCompact Light. It has been a year and a half and seems to be just as bright. When should I replace the bulbs in the light? I also assume I don't have to replace the lunar lights.

 

[melosu58]

FOWLR tank should not be OK to just let them go unless you start having algea problems. Some algeas thrive on certain spectrums as the lights get older. But as long as you dont have any corals then you should be OK with any lighting specs.

 

[degbowl]

I get this red colored algae on the glass that I have to scrape every few days. I think I am going to buy new bulbs.