Is It Time To Replace UV Lightbulb?

PeterC99 · Nov 4, 2021

Took my UV light unit apart to clean and found these black marks on the light. Light is 7 months old and still lights up. Usually wait for the year milestone before changing.

Should I replace my UV light bulb now? Has it lost its effectiveness?

PigDaddyF15E · Nov 4, 2021

I'm not a UV / electrical expert but here are my thoughts: Replace it

1. Why trust it? replace it. Yeah...it's only seven of your 12 months. Yeah...it's money...but we aren't in this hobby to watch our bank accounts grow.
2. Are you noticing algae bloom (assuming you are using it for algae control)? If yeah...then might be bulb and time to replace it.
3. If using for parasite control. Do you really want to risk it?

I know all those answer stink and cost money...but I just don't see an up side to keeping it in place and plenty of downside should it fail further or light up but not be "working" properly.

PeterC99 · Nov 4, 2021

PigDaddyF15E said:
I'm not a UV / electrical expert but here are my thoughts: Replace it

1. Why trust it? replace it. Yeah...it's only seven of your 12 months. Yeah...it's money...but we aren't in this hobby to watch our bank accounts grow.
2. Are you noticing algae bloom (assuming you are using it for algae control)? If yeah...then might be bulb and time to replace it.
3. If using for parasite control. Do you really want to risk it?

I know all those answer stink and cost money...but I just don't see an up side to keeping it in place and plenty of downside should it fail further or light up but not be "working" properly.

Have not noticed any algae or parasite issues but think your common sense bit makes the most sense - risk/reward calculation definitely favors replacement.

Thank you - love the great answers you get on R2R and how other Reefers can clearly articulate solutions and suggestions to many peoples’ issues!!!