Mixing bulb brands

[Iceburg98]

Hello,
I wanted to give my tank a different look by changing the lighting. I wanted to change one of my two 50/50 PC bulbs to a 12k bulb. The new bulb would be the same wattage, pin-style, etc, but would be a different brand than the other bulb. Are there any problems with running two different brands in the same fixture (on the same ballast)? Or am i safe as long as both bulbs are the same wattage, etc?

Also, I looked into changing both bulbs at the same time, but i've only found one brand that makes a 12k to fit my fixture, and only one brand that makes a true 50/50 (10k/actinic 03) for it. So either way, i'd be mixing brands if i went with this lighting scheme.

 

[incysor]

Different brands don't really matter. It should be fine.

B

 

[Iceburg98]

didn't think it would, but thought i'd run it by you guys before i burn my GF's apartment down...

Also, should i change both bulbs at the same time anyway? my current bulbs are about 3-4 months old.

 

[incysor]

PC bulbs generally have nearly a 12 month effective lifespan. It's up to you.

B

 

[Iceburg98]

thats what i figured - if i changed one out now, and then waited 12 months and changes both again, would that be ok? or should i change each bulb at the 12-month mark?

 

[dragon79]

easier to remember if you change them all out at the same time. Incysor stated "generally" 12 months, but it's been in other cases they are out of their lifespan in an earlier time, depending on usuage. My girlfriends tank has been up since November. Probably in late August we'll change out the lights.