LUX Meter

[reef fool]

Anyone use a LUX Meter to check their bulbs?
I am thinking of getting one to check my VHO's. I have read that when they lose 20%, to toss them and put in new.
I replaced them after the first 6 months and it is time again. Just wondering if I could get more out of them or not.

 

[bang guy]

I do. Don't do the baseline test with brand new bulbs. During the break in (a couple weeks) the intensity drops 10 - 15% on some bulbs.

 

[reef fool]

Any recommendations on a specific meter? Lots of choices out there.
BTW, I only use URI bulbs.
Bang Guy,
How long do your bulbs tend to last and what guidelines do you follow to make you replace them?
Thanks,
Frank

 

[bang guy]

I also use URI bulbs. I use the cheapo Busse Electronics Inc. Lux meter found at Radio Shack.
After a break in period (I use 2 weeks) I test the Lux. After it drops 15% I replace the bulb. So far that's 11 - 12 months for SuperActinic and 24 - 25 months for the AquaSun. I use IceCap ballasts and YES! that does make a difference. I do not replace all of my bulbs at once. I stager them over the course of a whole year.

 

[daniel411]

Sounds like a lux meter is in the future

 

[reef fool]

Thanks Bang Guy,
As always, you have been a big help!

 

[reef fool]

Bang Guy,
I use URI Super Actinic and White Actinic. How does white actinic compare to Aqua Sun? More life or less?
I am very happy with the look and so are my corals

 

[bang guy]

I used to think they lasted quite a long time. Almost as long as the AquaSun. I've changed my mind.
The Actinic White is a 50/50 mix of phosphors from the SuperActinic and the Aquasun. Keep in mind that the Actinic phosphors on my IceCap seem to last 11 - 12 months. So... after12 months the Actinic in the Actinic White are degraded. The Lux meter doesn't notice this because Actinic puts out very few Lumens. My conclusion is that Actinic White is just half a bulb after 12 months or so.
I've actually stopped using them. They are great bulbs, but it's cheaper for me to use 3 Actinics and 3 Aquasuns for the same effect.

 

[beaslbob]

bang and others
so glad to hear that someone is actually measuring the light instead of watts. Thanks for this thread. Will check ar radio shack for the meter. any idea on price?

 

[bang guy]

I think I paid about $70 for mine.
Keep in mind that a Lux Meter doesn't measure all of the visible light from a bulb... it mostly just measures the light around 550 nm and is not a good indicator of how much light is put out by bulbs designed for corals. I say this because most high quality bulbs purposely try to avoid that wavelength because of the Yellow appearance.

 

[reef fool]

Check E-Bay, Quite a few there

 

[donjasper]

Bang Guy: Does it work under water? Ever put it it a plastic bag and check the numbers under water just for fun?
I can't use the Wife's meter like that and not have my head ripped off Photographers

 

[reef fool]

Bang Guy,
just one more question, if you don't mind. After the initial break in period, how evenly do the bulbs wear? Do they loose quality slowly and evenly or do they seem to go fast after a certain point?
Reason I am asking is, I have 5 bulbs that are from 6-7 months old and I now have a lux meter. I am trying to monitor them from this point. I have 2 -160 watt super actinics and 3 - 160 watt white actinics all running off of Ice Cap ballasts.
Is trying to monitor them now feasable or should I just replace them in a few months and start from scratch?
Thanks,
Frank

 

[bang guy]

In my experience the degradation is linear except for the break-in period. You should be able to test now and again in a couple months and get a pretty good idea of the starting point.

 

[reef fool]

Bang Guy,
Just had another question about using the lux meter. At what distance from the individual bulb do you hold the meter?
Thanks,
Frank

 

[bang guy]

I set the meter right against the bulb. That way I don't have to remember how far away to measure from.

 

[reef fool]

Makes sense to me. Thanks once again.