Another lighting question

[carpenterwrasse]

I seem to have forgoten so if someone can refresh my foregtfull mind when should i replace my pc bulbs? The fixture has been in service for a year?anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day so if i can have a refresher thanks

George

[jojo22]

I do belive, and don't quote me, that 8-12 months is the expected lifespan for PC bulbs. I would replace them at least every year just to be safe!

[Sweetpea]

At 9 months, one bulb blew out so I replaced both of them.

[carpenterwrasse]

so its time then here goes more $$$$

[dakar]

Be glad you got that long out of them.... we were averaging 6 months at best for the PC's.... just for actinic lighting... going to replace the 6x65w 460nm array of lamps for a pair of 250w 20K halides and call it done.

[carpenterwrasse]

i have another issue which is the best bulb as far as pcs goes for the money...too many choices for the less informed...agh

[dakar]

Personally, I like the square pin (::) SunPaq bulbs mostly because they are cheaper than Coralife ones.... and the for variety of coloring choices they have.

[carpenterwrasse]

they have some different bulbs which ones are the best spectrum wise?

[jojo22]

What fixture and pin configuration do you have?? what size and wattage bulb do you need??

[carpenterwrasse]

which one to choose, the conumdrium deepens
sunpac atnic 460 nm
420 nm
daylight 10000 k
daylight 6700 k
dual daylight6700/10000 k
daylight 10000/atinc 460
dual actinc 420/460

[carpenterwrasse]

96 watts square pin

[carpenterwrasse]

current orbit fixture

[jojo22]

I had a coralife aqualight 20 inch fixture. I got the halide before I needed to change the bulb but I was happy with the bulb that came with it, the quad tube 50/50. My lfs said that replacements where 50 bux when I bought it. Hope that helps bud.

[iVgOnMaD]

T5HO lights rival MH lighting in shallow tanks (under 20" deep), these are WAY BETTER than PC lights with a higher PAR output.

Just my two cents.

[Sweetpea]

My fixture (square pin) came with the dual daylight & dual actinics. When I replaced them, I got 2 of the 50/50 bulbs. Everything in the tank is still happy, and I am more pleased with the overall look. :)

[Sweetpea]

T5HO lights rival MH lighting in shallow tanks (under 20" deep), these are WAY BETTER than PC lights with a higher PAR output. Just my two cents.

I have seen GREAT results using T5s in my 20 gallon! :)

[carpenterwrasse]

50/50s i think it shall be then

[hummer]

so which one was 50/50 bulb ??

[jojo22]

Any chance of a before and after pic? Just so people can see what a difference it really makes!

[carpenterwrasse]

we"ll see

[carpenterwrasse]

alright now i was all excited my new lights came today...thats the good news..now the bad, Changed them and i had this brilliant idea to ry before i flipped it over and put it back in place...well i throw the 1st switch and 1 out of bulbs lite...now 2 of the 4 should have lite up now i throw the second switch and again 1 of the 2 lite up...now i would like to beleive that if it was the ballast that was bad when i turned it on 2 of the bulbs for that ballast would not have lite up, correct do you guys think i need to check the wireing.. I hate messing with electricity..they want 44.00 each for a replacement ballast could this puppy have a seperate ballast for each bulb? i was just wondering before i tear the whole thing apart...

[jojo22]

Do you have a link to the unit you are useing?? Usually one out of the two switches should light 2 bulbs. My thought would be to check your connections at the endcaps. maybe putting the bulbs in juggled something loose.

[carpenterwrasse]

i am going to try and investigate further but i hate the idea of tearing into the light...