Opinions on when to change MH lights?

[Shooter7]

My 250w MH's are about 8 1/2 months into use and I'm kind of wondering when I should be considering changing them out? I don't know if too many others around here are running these Reeflux 12k's I've got, but just general thoughts on when to change are appreciated.

 

[Turf]

it depends on the brand but in general if they are not HQI you should be able to squeeze 12mo out of them some say 10. But if your not doing sps you may be able to get away with longer.

 

[beapeams]

What if they are HQI, How long then.

 

[DrBDC]

HQI overdrive bulbs so it really depends on much. For example Sanjay has some Iwasaki 6500K bulbs that are 2 years old that haven't lost much yet.

 

[Shooter7]

Well, back to single-ended...is it just a generic timeframe that most have found on when to change or has Sanjay found that these types of bulbs fall into this timezone?

I guess I'm kind of wondering this...let's say the timeframe to change the bulbs is at 12 months. Does this mean that at 10 months the bulbs start going downhill and at 12 months is when they're getting really bad? Or is it at 12 months that they start losing their punch? I'm just thinking that I am ok with buying new bulbs at 10 months to avoid a possible time period of not getting optimal performance out of my lights. My frags are just at a point of encrusting a base and starting to grow and I don't want to deprive them of light they might need by trying to squeeze extra months out of bulbs when I shouldn't, however, I'm also on a budget and don't want to simply buy bulbs for the heck of it when I don't really need to. This is my first set of MH bulbs and just trying to learn.

 

[DrBDC]

I would do 1 bulb every 6 months to even out the intensity drop. That way 1 bulb at 11 1/2 months is being supported by the other one at only 5 1/2 months. You still keep each bulb for 12 months but spread out the rise and fall of intensity.

 

[Turf]

Well, This is only off what I heard... 12 mo change them... but a good point was made that it really depends on type of bulb, kelvins, and wattage. Maybe you might have the best luck just emailing a contact for that manufacturer.

 

[chadfarmer]

how many hours a day are they run

 

[astrea]

how many hours a day are they run

Good point .

 

[JR719]

I run mine 6 hours a day and change out every 8 months. I could more than likely go longer, but like others..... that is what I heard.

 

[Shooter7]

Mine are run 9 hours a day