New MH bulb

[sac10918]

Hi
I just ordered a new MH powerpaq bulb 70w 14000k for my aquapod. I figured it is probably time to put a new one on. Anyone know how often you should change these bulbs? Also, can I just put the new bulb in and run it as usual or do I need to shorten the length that I runt he new bulb so that I dont shock anything. I only have a clownfish and a few purple mushrooms and a green button polyp colony on the sandbed.

 

[scsinet]

MH usually needs to be replaced around every 12 months. If yours has been in much longer than that, then I'd keep a close eye for things getting adjusted to the new lamp.

 

[sac10918]

My bulb is about 14 months old....
Would it be wise to put the new bulb in and shorten the amount of time that the light is running for the first few weeks? Or is there something else I should do...?

 

[acrylic51]

Yeah I would shorten the run time for a bit. Usually MH's usually have a spectrum shift well before 12 months. Some as short as 6. The only true way of knowing is to measure the light at different areas and depth of the tank to see how much they do diminish.