Replacing MH bulbs

[B192734]

So, do MH bulbs lose their intensity like CF or other bulbs? If so, how often should they be changed, and how do you know when they have started to lose their intensity and need to be changed?

 

[campos]

They need to be replaced every 10-12 months. I replace mine every 9 months

 

[RokleM]

Depends on the bulb, the ballast, and if they're driven to spec. For example, many report major spectrum and PAR shifts in Reeflux bulbs after 6 months. As well, many overdrive Radium 400w bulbs on HQI, which last 6 months at best. On the other hand, Radium 250w bulbs when driven correctly last a good 12 months with honestly some life still left in them.

So yes, they do loose intensity and possibly color shift.

 

[allsps40]

9-12 months. I replace mine every 10, I just split the difference. I was really bad once and the some Coralife 20k run of almost 2 years. I saw no problems in my sps and growth was still ok. But when I did finally change bulbs bleached all my sps. Not a good time. Now I change them at 10 months.

 

[grigsy]

I replace mine every 9 months or so. They could easily go 12 - 14 months, but I prefer to change mine earlier than need be.

 

[pbnj]

I believe one of the main issues with old bulbs is color spectrum shift, meaning they tend to shift to the 'warmer' end of the spectrum when they get old.

 

[allsps40]

^ they also loose PAR.

 

[ccolt1]

So on a 20,000k bulb it would get more yellowish or blue? Thanks

 

[RokleM]

Vendor K ratings are highly variable. But in general 10k is more white/yellow and 20 is more white/blue.

 

[ccolt1]

So over time the 20,000k would turn more blue?

 

[RokleM]

No. Sorry the description wasn't 100% clear and honestly this is all personal visual interpretation. What someone sees as a "blue" bulb may be "white" to others.

A 20k bulb typically is either pretty blue or what some would call a crisp white with a hint of blue.
A 10k bulb is going to be much more white, even to the point of looking yellow.

Over time, almost all bulbs loose their intensity and blue color. If you buy a blue bulb, it will likely gradually shift to a more white. If you buy a pure white almost yellow bulb, it will gradually become even more yellow.

But again, these are just general guidelines. Every bulb is very much different. 250w radiums for example look almost identical day one vs 10 months in if driven well. Reeflux as a brand is known for MAJOR color changes in as little as 6 months. As mentioned, it can vary drastically by manufacture, bulb, and what ballast is used to drive them.

 

[alton]

Buy a meter, I have had lamps last only 8 months and others last 18. The meter will pay for itself in time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I let my 250 w DE XM 10,000 k bulbs driven by a PFO ballast run for years. I don't see the need to replace them frequently, and didn't particularly like the color when I did (too blue).

Then again, almost eveyone seems crazed for blue these days, so I'm probably just an outlier.

 

[campos]

Buy a meter, I have had lamps last only 8 months and others last 18. The meter will pay for itself in time.

i've been thinking about buying one for some time now. So it was worth it? which one do you have? Apogee (sp)?
Is it easy to use? Last question what is the PAR level supposed to be at?

 

[campos]

Buy a meter, I have had lamps last only 8 months and others last 18. The meter will pay for itself in time.

i've been thinking about buying one for some time now. So it was worth it? which one do you have? Apogee (sp)?
Is it easy to use? Last question what is the PAR level supposed to be at?