The light output of the six Phoenix bulbs shows an initial decline over the first three to four months and then levels off at about 75% of their initial output. From these data I raise the question: “If a bulb is not replaced at six months, when it has lost 20% of its output, then why would we replace it at 12 months when its output has fallen only another 6%?” It may be more cost effective to plan the lamp number and placement based on 70-75% of the bulbs' initial output levels. Initially, we could shield or raise the lights and then gradually lower or unshield them over the first four months or so, when the intensity is at its highest but falls most quickly. Beyond six months the bulbs' light output remains fairly constant at about 75%, so only minor adjustments would be needed for at least a year. Doing this may considerably extend the bulbs' effective life.
As I indicated earlier, bulb #3 was actually an old Aquaconnect 14,000K bulb that had mistakenly been retained when the other bulbs were replaced. That means that this bulb was actually about 15 months old when the study began, and 27 months old at the study's conclusion. The Phoenix and Aquaconnect bulbs are thought to be the same bulb sold with different labels. If this is correct, then this bulb would appear to still maintain 70% of its output at 18 months, 66% at 24 months and 63% at 27 months of use.
I have been in the habit of replacing my bulbs about once a year as is so often recommended. The measurements suggest that this may not be necessary, though. In my aquarium setup, my lighting is suspended by a pulley system, which allows the lights to be easily raised and lowered (see Figure 3 below). Lowering the lamps a few inches can easily compensate for a 25 to 30% drop in lamp output to maintain a consistent light intensity for the corals by decreasing the distance from the bulbs. Having a reliable light meter, I can measure the output of all seven of my bulbs in fewer than five minutes. I now target a PAR level of 400-500 for the most light-demanding corals, and adjust the light pendants’ height accordingly. For now, I will continue using the same bulbs and perhaps take a quick follow-up reading after 18 months and see if the other six bulbs have held up the same as the Aquaconnect bulb.
The light output of the six Phoenix bulbs shows an initial decline over the first three to four months and then levels off at about 75% of their initial output. From these data I raise the question: “If a bulb is not replaced at six months, when it has lost 20% of its output, then why would we replace it at 12 months when its output has fallen only another 6%?” It may be more cost effective to plan the lamp number and placement based on 70-75% of the bulbs' initial output levels. Initially, we could shield or raise the lights and then gradually lower or unshield them over the first four months or so, when the intensity is at its highest but falls most quickly. Beyond six months the bulbs' light output remains fairly constant at about 75%, so only minor adjustments would be needed for at least a year. Doing this may considerably extend the bulbs' effective life.As I indicated earlier, bulb #3 was actually an old Aquaconnect 14,000K bulb that had mistakenly been retained when the other bulbs were replaced. That means that this bulb was actually about 15 months old when the study began, and 27 months old at the study's conclusion. The Phoenix and Aquaconnect bulbs are thought to be the same bulb sold with different labels. If this is correct, then this bulb would appear to still maintain 70% of its output at 18 months, 66% at 24 months and 63% at 27 months of use.I have been in the habit of replacing my bulbs about once a year as is so often recommended. The measurements suggest that this may not be necessary, though. In my aquarium setup, my lighting is suspended by a pulley system, which allows the lights to be easily raised and lowered (see Figure 3 below). Lowering the lamps a few inches can easily compensate for a 25 to 30% drop in lamp output to maintain a consistent light intensity for the corals by decreasing the distance from the bulbs. Having a reliable light meter, I can measure the output of all seven of my bulbs in fewer than five minutes. I now target a PAR level of 400-500 for the most light-demanding corals, and adjust the light pendants’ height accordingly. For now, I will continue using the same bulbs and perhaps take a quick follow-up reading after 18 months and see if the other six bulbs have held up the same as the Aquaconnect bulb.
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