Basic 250watt MH questions?

[Foogoo]

How long is a bulb typically good for PAR-wise?

I currently have an XM 15k, it seems like the consensus for good 250watters falls on AB. Any other suggestions?

Finally, what to do w/ old bulbs?? I have enough backup bulbs and it seems like a waste to throw away a $60 bulb that still lights up

 

[sharkdude]

I remember a lecture by Sanjay Yoshi who stated that the iwasaki 6500k bulb had minimal spectrum or PAR degradation even after 2 years of use, but that was the exception. Other bulbs he tested significantly degraded after 8-12 months.

I liked the color of the hamilton 14k 250w, but I have since changed back to an iwasaki due to reduced lighting hours (to save electricity) and trying to max PAR.

maybe old bulbs could be used for refugiums?
I too have saved old bulbs removed after one year of use or more.

 

[Foogoo]

How does the iwasaki look? And has it promoted algae growth? I know from pictures it's less than impressive but for the price, PAR, and money saved, it has potential.

 

[Mchava]

if you realy dont care much about color right now then the Iwasaki is the best bulb to run. Has a yellow tea color but has a lot of par and will promote growth realy quick. But if you want alittle of both then I would say the 10xm or the 14k hamilton like Chris has mentioned.

 

[sharkdude]

you won't like the iwasaki after using a bluer bulb.
I have 400 watts of vho actinics to balance it out some, and it still appears yellow to me in comparison.

Corals grow well, but its hard to perceive the flourescent pigments until I run only the actnics.

no excess alage growth in display tanks, but I have a fully mature refugium too.

 

[Foogoo]

Sharkdude: How many hours a day do you run your Iwasaki?

Considering that money is tight and even I am rarely home once the year starts, I'm strongly leaning towards the Iwasaki. And if I ever want some color, I can just pop my old XM back for a few days...