Longevity of VHO and PC bulbs

[jpollman]

I have seen significant variations in the length of time a VHO and a PC bulb can effectively last. Does anyone have a good idea? I am setting up a new aquarium and have not decided between the two types of bulbs. Currently I think the VHOs provide better color, are 1/2 the price, and can grow the corals needing lower lighting requirements as well as a PC.

Thoughts?

 

[LFS42]

I run VHO's at home and have gone 1 year between changing them.
But I do notice a big difference with the new bulbs.
So every 9 months would work better

With PC's, it greatly depends on the ballast.
Some will run a bulb for about a year, others will burn them out in
3 months.
other burn out a ballast instead of bulbs.

my 2 cents

 

[Mikef1]

Jpollman, Welcome to Reefs.Org!!
Personally I like the color VHOs offer better than PCs. In my experience VHO loose their spectrum faster than pcs. I change my VHOs about every 6-8 months where my PCs I change on a yearly basis. Still I would go with VHOs. Also I just installed 2 110 watt VHOs with this ballast http://www.hellolights.com/22elarovhoba.html. Yes it is bare but is very easy to hook up with a little DIY, took me an hour to retro everything into my canopy.