lyndatu

Hello

We have a 20 watt Flora-Glo flourescent bulb for our aquarium and it's doing a great job at keeping our plants healthy. But I was wondering if when I should replace it because I read that it will eventually lose half of its intensity in about six months, and ours is six months old, but I'm worried that it might be still efficient. Is there a way to determine if the bulb needs to be replaced? Thanks in advance!

dvc_r

This may sound stupid, but I look at the ends of light to see if I see it getting darker in color, then I replace it.

aquarist48

"You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine".

lyndatu

Hello and thanks for the replies! I do notice that the sides of my bulb are getting black, and the light has gotten paler than it used to be. I'm going to replace it right away. Oh, and can I ask another question - the rectangular glass holding the light hood on top of the tank is badly scratched(because I tried using sandpaper to remove some hard water stains silly me) and I'm worried that it might be inhibiting some of the light from entering the tank and reaching the plants. Should I replace it? Thanks in advance!

dvc_r

Yes that can difuse the light. I wish I could give you mine. I have four hoods and lights that I'm gonna put on craigslist. I changed mine out with glass tops and compact floresents.