VHO Lighting

[efrank]

Do VHO lights lose power prior to buring out?
If so, how many months can I run my VHOs prior to replacing them?

 

[logan15]

they dont lose power but lose their spectrum you can run a vho bulb for about 6-9 months

 

[efrank]

It has been about 9 months and they are still burning. You are saying that the wattage is still there but they are now loseing their spectrum even though they are still lit?
How long before that starts to effect the corals I have in my tank?

 

[logan15]

yes
it affects the corals now i would say replace them now

 

[up north hermit]

What kind of ballast is running the lights? If it is an electronic ballast, your bulbs would last longer. However, that said, I would start now to replace them one at a time. DO NOT change them all at once, as this will cause unnecessary algae or diatom blooms. I have a total of 4 bulbs, at 1 year old I change 1 bulb every 2-3 weeks.
One time I didn't. Changed them all at once. Never did get rid of the diatoms, I had to do a complete break down.

Barbie

 

[efrank]

Ok so that is different info. I have ICe Caps so what you are saying is that the spectrum of the lights will hold up for a year not just 9 months?

 

[up north hermit]

If you have an electronic ballast ONLY. The spectrum will start shifting in about a years time. This has been my personal experience.
Barbie