I think most of us know that the regular fluorescents need to be replaced every 6-12 months due to spectrum shift. At what point do Compact Fluorescents need to be replaced?
I've heard that they can be run until they burn out, but I've also heard that they do suffer from some degradation and should be replaced earlier. I'm wondering if older bulbs might be a part of the algae problems that I've been dealing with in a couple of my tanks. The bulbs over one tank are 12 months old and the bulbs over another tank are 1 year and 8 months old.
I've heard that they can be run until they burn out, but I've also heard that they do suffer from some degradation and should be replaced earlier. I'm wondering if older bulbs might be a part of the algae problems that I've been dealing with in a couple of my tanks. The bulbs over one tank are 12 months old and the bulbs over another tank are 1 year and 8 months old.