Replacing PC's - Adjustment Photoperiod ??

[Instar]

I just replaced my pc 10k and actinics over my sps; two bulbs, one last week and one today. The new actinic, same wavelength (420nm) is at least 5 times brighter than the one replaced. I had no idea they deteriorated like that.

My question is, (with some coral this can make a difference) - So, do I decrease the photo period to break in the lights and get the coral adjusted or keep it where it is since its in the 03 range and a pc lamp?

[witecap4u]

Are you running these as actinics lighting for Halides, or are you just running PC's? If they are on top of MH's, I dont think its that big of a deal. I think its more of an issue if its the main lighting source for the tank.

cs

[Andrew]

Larry,

Just out of curiosity, what brand were the original bulbs, and the replacements?

I have been using pc's over my sps, and have noticed the falloff of light intensity also, especially the actinic 03s. I have been using corralife bulbs exclusively, but will probably switch to another brand when the time comes.

Andrew

[Instar]

One is custom sealife 10k replaced with Sunpaq 50/50 (10k/460nm actinic) and the other is coralife actinic 03 (420nm) for another of the same, both 96w. These pc's don't last as long as they are touted to last, thats for sure. I don't have MH for this tank, just some direct sunlight for a couple hours, so basically the pc's are the main light for the tank. The corals seem to be liking the change to new lights.

[Andrew]

Thanks

More Q's:

I'd be curious to know whether you're getting better color (in the sps), with your bulbs now slanted toward the blue spectrum (being pc bulbs, they are essentially a 3 actinic/1 10k ratio). If you notice a difference now or down the road please let me know.

Also, have you had any experience with hellolights pc's, particularly their actinics (?) which I plan to try next when my corralife's begin to die.

And, where do you get the sunpaq bulbs?

I wouldn't worry about adjusting the photoperiod for the actinics (unless your corals are "saying" too much). Last time I replaced my 10k's I decreased photoperiod several hours, and gradually increased over several weeks back to normal.

HTH

thanks

Andrew