right way to change PC lighting

[SALTY72]

Looking for some tips on putting in new pc. 260w pc (2)65w actinic, (2)65w 10k. Help this will be my first time replacing lamps

 

[indy]

They're generally just snapped into the end cap, so a quick tug will pull them out of the socket.

 

[Bearfan]

How old are the old bulbs?

 

[SALTY72]

Gee thanks indy! I mean so as not to burn coral and affect tank in a negative manner. The bulbs are almost 11 months old

 

[fishfreek]

Replace 1 bulb every other day until all bulbs are replaced. Be aware these bulbs get quite hot so replace them when they are off or power the lights off for 15-20min to allow them to cool. Make sure you get the correct pin out config. The 65W bulbs should have 4 pins in a row like .... where as othes have pins in a square pattern ::

 

[marcus russo]

Also make sure you push the bulbs in straight or you may break them!

 

[SALTY72]

Hey thanks a lot fishfreek thats what i was hoping to hear. Someone else had told me this but i wanted to see if i heard it again. Thanks for the great advice marcus, don't want them to break.

 

[Joshsmit56001]

THat is not true about the straight pins and square pins. I have 96 watt PC bulbs that are staright pin. Sorry if this is not what you meant.

Josh

 

[fishfreek]

I wasnt trying to establish a firm rule as to what bulbs had what pinout. Some 96W bulbs are square pinout like mine where as others are not. Same holds with the 55/65W pins. Some bulbs are one way and others are the other. Be sure to know what type your endcap takes.

 

[marcus russo]

Fish freek off topic but cute baby

 

[Joshsmit56001]

Sorry about that fishfreek thought you meant something else.

Josh

 

[SALTY72]

Fishfreek, i understood thanks for looking out for me

 

[indy]

Heck, I thought that was a real easy question to answer...