PC Bulb Replacement & Lunar light questions

[Cassette87]

Hey everyone!
I've been starting to get curious about bulb replacement for my tank, because I've noticed my corals have started to look a bit pale, and the actinic bulb has changed colors, which i didn't notice until I looked a photograph from when i first got my tank: unbelievable how much brighter it used to be, although i suppose it could also be due to the fact that there was less growth on everything, allowing more of the light to bounce around, since everything was clean and white. at any rate, all of my parameters are in check, and I just did a small 5 gallon water change a few days ago, but my little survivor rics still aren't showing much change, despite having moved them closer to the surface, and my zoa's don't have the flair and bold color they did a little while back. the mushrooms, although still growing, all are a bit pale and "trumpet" up to the light when 10k is on. my current photoperiod is 12h actinic 10h 10k surrounded by 3h lunar and remainder darkness. so my questions are ( i know i was rambling)

1. should i consider changing my bulbs already? (current bulbs are about 5 months old)
2. should i replace them with the stock coralife bulbs? actinic 03 & 10k daylight or find an alternative?
3. I have a coralife lunar aqualight 2x65 watt pc, can you put any other sort of bulbs in there or would that be "dangerous"?
3. should the lunar led's stay on all night or should they be completely off for some period of time?
4. what deteriorates within the bulb that causes replacement? the coating on the inside to filter for specific color rages?


Thanks Everyone!

Andy

[Woodstock]

If the light output has changed, yes, replace the bulbs. Try different bulbs to see which you (and your corals) like best. The bluer the bulb, the less intensity (par) it puts out.
Many things affect the longevity of bulbs. Length of photoperiod and normal operating tempertures to name a few.
You can leave the lunar light on 24/7 or put it on a timer... it really doesn't matter much.

[Cassette87]

As far as the lunar light goes, maybe i asked my question wrong. Do the corals in my tank benefit from the lunar being on all night? and similarly, does the tank even need any period of complete darkness? because right now i have it off from about 11pm till 8am so that gap is total darkness other than ambient light. if my corals will benefit from it, i'll have to get used to sleeping with the lunars on

[Woodstock]

I do not know of any studies about the negative affects of lunar lighting photo periods or the lack of a total darkness periods. However, I have read that Lunar periods that mimic nature can induce spawing. Just choose a lunar period that you like.