Hamilton 14K 250W SE bulbs users - how often to replace?

[argo]

Those who use Hamilton 14K 250W SE bulbs (in your experience) how often do you replace them? My pair is approaching 10 months. Thanks.

 

[kentrob11]

As embarassing as it is, I've had mine running for over a year and a half. The color just never got ugly IMO though I'm sure par is junk now...I just bought 3 reeflux 12K bulbs to replace them with. I guess I'll see just how dim they really are when they get replaced

 

[UFreefer]

mine just took a crap on me after only 6 mo.
I was running it on a magnetic ballast
I too just ordered the coralvue reeflux 12k....hoping for better coloration then i'm getting with the hami

 

[6-line]

Mine have been on for nearly a year and I feel the appearance is a little less blue and sharper qwhite now...i actually like them this way...will be swapping them out shortly...

 

[kentrob11]

Yeah these bulbs don't seem to turn butt nasty like a lot of other bulbs do when they get older...

 

[argo]

Thanks for your replies guys.

The color just never got ugly IMO though I'm sure par is junk now...

I didn't notice any significant color or intensity level changes either. But I sure would like to know how much PAR has been lost in 10 months.

Listen guys/gals what if say 10 (or whatever) of us all chipped-in and bought a good LUX/PAR meter. Then whoever needs to take a par reading on their bulbs is shipped (via flat rate usps) the meter. If it can work we'll take the guessing out of bulb replacement once and for all.

 

[SunnyX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6630565#post6630565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by argo
Thanks for your replies guys.



I didn't notice any significant color or intensity level changes either. But I sure would like to know how much PAR has been lost in 10 months.

Listen guys/gals what if say 10 (or whatever) of us all chipped-in and bought a good LUX/PAR meter. Then whoever needs to take a par reading on their bulbs is shipped (via flat rate usps) the meter. If it can work we'll take the guessing out of bulb replacement once and for all.

I don't think they are that expensive.
I belive the on JBNY used was around $200.

 

[Wiskey]

I bought a lux meater with submersable probe for $100 from my LFS it is made by milwalkie (spelled that wrong).

Whiskey

 

[SunnyX]

Check out some other meters here-

http://www.apogee-inst.com/bqm_spec.htm