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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: mamie on November 24, 2009, 06:08:42 PM

Title: new lights
Post by: mamie on November 24, 2009, 06:08:42 PM
how do you know when it's time to change the light in your tank???
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: Vincenzo. on November 24, 2009, 07:34:22 PM
8months.
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: mamie on November 24, 2009, 08:44:18 PM
I just bought the tank about 1 month ago...how do I know if it needs changing it's a 55 gallon breeder tank she called it and so it's only 1 long light
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: Vincenzo. on November 24, 2009, 09:11:59 PM
depends what u want to keep in it.
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: mamie on November 24, 2009, 09:12:58 PM
I have cichlids in it
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: Vincenzo. on November 24, 2009, 09:28:46 PM
im no expert on cichlids, but i think u can get away with it. If u wanted a planted tank, u will need to up grade.
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: mamie on November 25, 2009, 08:26:56 PM
the reason why I went with cichlids was because I wanted to see their color so I will see what I can get for my huge light fixture I have there lol
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: Vincenzo. on November 25, 2009, 10:08:34 PM
go with T5's.
Title: Re: new lights
Post by: Bees on November 28, 2009, 02:11:14 PM
If you don't plan on having any plants in the tank then you can really go high on the light spectrum and get an 18k bulb.  The reds and blues in your will be highly accentuated but any yellow fish will appear orange.  Sounds like you have about a 36" length so you can pick up a bulb at any major pet store.  It will run you around $25.

As for when to change the bulb, if you don't have plants then it doesn't really matter.