| If my aquarium light bulbs are still working, do I | | | | and T10 - need replacing every 4 to 6 months. |
| need to change them? The answer is Yes, | | | | High output fluorescent including HO T5, VHO T5, |
| change your bulbs! As bulbs age, the lighting | | | | VHO T12, and Power Compacts - need replacing |
| spectrum shifts from blue to red. Red wavelength | | | | every 8 to12 months. |
| light will increase the growth of algae in an | | | | Metal Halide Bulbs including Double end and Single |
| aquarium and provides less of the energy corals | | | | end need replacing every 10 to 14 months. |
| need to grow. | | | | There is a range for the change timeline because |
| Why do you need to Change your Aquarium | | | | of the variances on how long the aquarium bulb |
| Bulbs: | | | | may run each day Ie: 8 hours a day, 10 hours a |
| Even though your bulbs are still turning on and | | | | day, etc) |
| may not look any different to you, rest assured, | | | | How do you Change your Aquarium Bulbs: |
| your aquarium inhabitants can certainly tell the | | | | If you have multiple bulbs in your fixture, you |
| difference. As your bulbs age, they lose their color | | | | should change out old bulbs slowly. Replace a |
| spectrum and intensity. If you neglect to change | | | | couple bulbs every two weeks until they are all |
| them, you will start to witness unwanted algae | | | | replaced. This is done so that you do not shock |
| growth and failing coral, invertebrate, or plant | | | | the live stock in your tank with the new greater |
| health. | | | | intensity bulbs. You may need to do it over a |
| When do you need to Change your Aquarium | | | | longer period of time if the live stock are showing |
| Bulbs: | | | | stress or if your bulbs were way past due for |
| Different types of bulbs maintain their spectrum | | | | changing. |
| and intensity for various periods of time. Use this | | | | It is important to keep up on these important |
| timeline as a guide for changing your bulbs. | | | | maintenance items in order to keep your |
| Normal output fluorescent including NO T5, T8, | | | | aquarium at its best. |