PC Bulb change?

[SaltWaterN00b]

How often do PC bulbs need to be changed? I couldnt remember if it was every 6 months or every year.......

Anyway, I Have 4x65w bulbs and was wondering if I should change them they are 7 months old. Why cant they be used until they die? and has it been proven that over time these bulbs are less effective?

 

[triggerboy]

I've been running PC lighting over my tank for 4 years. On average the builbs seem to last 9-12 months... They still work, but definitly "yellow" in the color of light they omit as they reach about 9 months.... within a few weeks after that you'll notice small algae blooms and cyano will start. And the longer you go, the worse it will get.

If you swap them out, you can use the old ones for a refugium if you have one.

J.

 

[drunktank]

change em out every 6 months if u can afford it, if not wait 12. If its fish only u can stretch it out.

 

[PalmTree]

When I had PC I changed them every 9 monthes but never let then sit anylonger than 12 monthes. For some reason the color really degrades quickly w/ PCs and you can see it with the naked eye.