PC lighting

[edshas2]

How often should PC lights be replaced? i have a 14bio.

[KyleV]

I always changed mine in the past every six months or so. With my Bio 29 I plan to do the same.

[edshas2]

I guess im a little past due then ive had them for about a year now.

[Ping]

Agree, 6 mos

[alton]

8 months, but I had a meter.

[cowboy572]

Dokes this rule apply also to the larger tanks? I have a 55 gal and have been getting mixed answers on this question. I believe the bulbs are about two years old. So how do you decide id they are ready for replacement?

[MikeP]

Dokes this rule apply also to the larger tanks? I have a 55 gal and have been getting mixed answers on this question. I believe the bulbs are about two years old. So how do you decide id they are ready for replacement?

Just a ballpark I'd say 6 months at 8-10 hours a day usage though you can probably stretch it to 8 or 9 months. You don't want to wait too long, letting intensity and available light dwindle then switch and shock your corals. If your lamps are really old and your corals are not receding I'd start the new bulbs at 4 hours a day and work em up in half hour per week increments - scale back some if you notice a marked lightening or cellophane look to any corals.

[Kyle46N]

Corals will help you figure out if they need to be changed. I had PC's before metal halides and my corals would start to reach for the light when they PC's needed to be changed.

[edshas2]

thanks for advice