compact florescent bulb life?

[mfin77]

How long do cf bulbs last for?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Dre]

9 months -24 months depending on bulb and the brand.

 

[cowfish]

The PAR starts to drop and the color starts to shift after about 6 months. Most people recommend changing compact fluorescent bulbs every 6 months for a reef tank. I've never heard of one being good for 2 years.

 

[basiab]

I think 6-12 months is more realistic. If you get the ones from China they only are good for 6-7 months. When I had them my coraline would start to fade after 6-7 months.

 

[Dre]

The PAR starts to drop and the color starts to shift after about 6 months. Most people recommend changing compact fluorescent bulbs every 6 months for a reef tank. I've never heard of one being good for 2 years.

Read the question.The guy asked how long they last, not how long they are good for.Even if he asked how long they are good for ,it would depend on what he need it for.For example i personaly use PC's bulbs on my fish tanks ,refuge and reef well over a year .I'm not telling you to do it.People recommend changing PC's every 6 months but they don,t do it .

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Also depends on how long they stay on, same goes for any bulb.

 

[cali_reef]

Read the question.The guy asked how long they last, not how long they are good for.Even if he asked how long they are good for ,it would depend on what he need it for.For example i personaly use PC's bulbs on my fish tanks ,refuge and reef well over a year .I'm not telling you to do it.People recommend changing PC's every 6 months but they don,t do it .

If that's case, wouldn't it LAST until the moment before it "dies"??:splitspin

There is no guaranty and impossible to predict how long it will "last". Some can last 3 days, some three years.. No point in this question..

I really think he meant "How often to change" PC bulbs.

My answer would be "Change to T5's as soon as you saved up for a new light setup":lol2:..

 

[mk4fan]

I've asked some people about this and they say the best way is to measure the par from the new bulb that way you can get a benchmark. After a certain time period re-check the par to see how different. But not everyone can afford a par meter

 

[cali_reef]

I've asked some people about this and they say the best way is to measure the par from the new bulb that way you can get a benchmark. After a certain time period re-check the par to see how different. But not everyone can afford a par meter

Exactly.. it's a nice toy to have after you have just about bought everything else.

Justification with the wife: 1)not waste money on changing bulbs prematurely. 2) reduce the amount of toxic CF bulbs in our landfills. 3) I REALLY WANT it. 4) it was only $15 :lol2:...

 

[jaa1456]

I hear every 6-8 months also

 

[reefman]

my cf on my refug. hasn't been changed for at least 3 yrs.

 

[Dre]

If that's case, wouldn't it LAST until the moment before it "dies"??:splitspin

There is no guaranty and impossible to predict how long it will "last". Some can last 3 days, some three years.. No point in this question..

I really think he meant "How often to change" PC bulbs.

My answer would be "Change to T5's as soon as you saved up for a new light setup":lol2:..

(cali reef)You sure know how to sink a ship man .:dead1: +1 on the t5's, i think i'll be getting some myself.

 

[mfin77]

I meant how long are they are good for, from what everybody is saying 6-8 months. time for a change
thanks
Mike