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Re: Lamp life
I haven't measured light drop-off with any instruments, but I am currently
under the impression that the intensity drop-off associated with multi-phosphor
lamps is due to the following conditions:
1. Multi Phosphors: Some of these phosphors may just not last as long as the
one used in cool white lights.
2. Heat: This can play a factor by itself in reducing the effectiveness of
the individual phosphors, as well as in causing them to react with
one another, perhaps reducing their effectiveness.
3. Build Quality: I have had my single Triton on my tank for two months now
and find it to be finicky at best. Sometimes it just
doesn't want to start. My Ultra Tri-Lux kicks off instantly
every time. The Triton and the other bulb on its fixture
are dark on the ends after this short time. The Penn-Plax
and the other bulb on that fixture still look nearly new.
This could also be caused by a bad ballast, I suppose.
I intend to see if I can eliminate the ballast difference in the near future by
switching to a high-quality electronic ballast. I suspect that this will help,
but we'll see. I also intend to begin using T-8 bulbs when available in the
color that I want.
BTW, on my 20h tank, I just went with 2 agro bulbs, 1 cool white, and 1
daylight. They provide an attractive color pattern.
David W. Webb
Enterprise Computing Provisioning
Texas Instruments Inc. Dallas, TX USA
(214) 575-3443 (voice) MSGID: DAWB
(214) 575-4853 (fax) Internet: dwebb at ti_com
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