Old bulbs/ Lighting ??
- Thread starter theappe3
- Start date
aquaknight
Active Member
I believe the bulbs change, as in their spectrum actually widens, to include light for algae growth. And by widening the spectrum, the intensity of the light is diminished, and not nearly as strong (for lights this is rated in PAR), in PAR as a new bulb.
aquaknight
Active Member
Originally Posted by theappe3
http:///forum/post/2735360
But it still gives the right amount of light for coral growth?
In other words... the only thing I need to worry about is algae growth?
No, they get "weaker" as well. The equivalent of running bulbs with less and less watts (sort of, they still take in as much electricity, but don't give off as much light, or at least 'good' light).
http:///forum/post/2735360
But it still gives the right amount of light for coral growth?
In other words... the only thing I need to worry about is algae growth?
No, they get "weaker" as well. The equivalent of running bulbs with less and less watts (sort of, they still take in as much electricity, but don't give off as much light, or at least 'good' light).
niskyvaulter
Member
Originally Posted by theappe3
http:///forum/post/2735360
But it still gives the right amount of light for coral growth?
In other words... the only thing I need to worry about is algae growth?
no. they give off as much light, but as the spectrum widens, the light given out at each wavelength diminishes to compensate. this means that you are getting less good light and more bad light (but the same amount of total light)
http:///forum/post/2735360
But it still gives the right amount of light for coral growth?
In other words... the only thing I need to worry about is algae growth?
no. they give off as much light, but as the spectrum widens, the light given out at each wavelength diminishes to compensate. this means that you are getting less good light and more bad light (but the same amount of total light)
reefkprz
Active Member
Originally Posted by theappe3
http:///forum/post/2736599
Makes sense. Thanks for the help!
Could this cause some coral to possibly bleach?
yes losing light is a factor in bleaching events at times.
http:///forum/post/2736599
Makes sense. Thanks for the help!
Could this cause some coral to possibly bleach?
yes losing light is a factor in bleaching events at times.
reefkprz
Active Member
the blue end of the spectrum burns out the fastest which is closer to the lighting most of our corals desire, leaving you with the remaining red end of the spectrum not as good for corals.
Par (intensity) also drops over time meaning your light doesnt have the oomph it did when you first bought it. think of it as slowly moving your corals further and further from the light.
Par (intensity) also drops over time meaning your light doesnt have the oomph it did when you first bought it. think of it as slowly moving your corals further and further from the light.
reefereric
Member
With CF lights, I change mine every 8-9 months. 6 months is otpimal, as they don't really degrade in that time, but after 6 months, I can start to see differences. 9 months in the max I'll let mine go. I also have not noticed any difference in the cheap
[hr]
site brands compared to the expensive ones you find that are name brand. So I stock up on THAT site, then just chnage a bit more often. Quantity is where it's at, something like 8 bulbs for less than $80, which for me translates into about 18 months of lighting. Just my bit of experience there!
[hr]
site brands compared to the expensive ones you find that are name brand. So I stock up on THAT site, then just chnage a bit more often. Quantity is where it's at, something like 8 bulbs for less than $80, which for me translates into about 18 months of lighting. Just my bit of experience there!