MH bulb change

[WhoDat?]

I was just wondering what's the general rule I should follow on how long to use my bulbs... I know they loose intensity over time but how long do yall go before buying new bulbs??

I am currently using 2x250w 14000k DE Hamilton bulbs...
Tank and all livestock are doing fine... Bulbs are about 8 months old....

 

[Anthrax15]

General rule is to change them every 9-10 months if you don't want to see a decrease in PAR levels.

 

[navychief]

agree

agree

General rule is to change them every 9-10 months if you don't want to see a decrease in PAR levels.

I agree with Anthrax. Keep em fresh and it will save you headaches down the road.

 

[d3rryc]

I've learned to watch for shifts in my coral colors and algae growth patterns to let me know when it's time to get new bulbs. Length of bulb life will depend on a few factors like photoperiod and ballast used. My Icecap 10k's only go about 6mos on my current ballasts before I've got to get new ones.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

There was an article a while back that disussed this. The bulbs lose the most PAR within the first 6-7 months, then their isn't much more lost up to 18 months. The general concesus was to change out your bulbs at around 6-8 months. You won't really notice the color shift on a day to day basis, but when you put that new bulb in, you sure will notice!

 

[RVANANO]

Hmmmm. Guess it's about that time for me then. My Giesemann Infinity 250's are at 10 months now....

 

[navychief]

how ya like?

how ya like?

Hmmmm. Guess it's about that time for me then. My Giesemann Infinity 250's are at 10 months now....

How ya liking that Infinity? I like mine a lot.