when to change mh bulbs

[dermer]

i have a mh hqi 20k 250 watt set up so is there a normal amout of time before you change bulbs or what im not sure

 

[dermer]

o ya my bulbs are like 7 months old now

 

[theatrus]

10-12 months is typical. Some do it at 8.

 

[IndyReefMan]

Typically, the higher color temperature bulbs will need to be replaced more frequently. I've seen postings where others have recommended changing out many 20K bulbs and Ph14K at around 7 mos.

 

[gman19]

I usually change mine only when I notice a color shift by looking at the usually "white" sand substrate. I am currently running the original bulbs on the 100g reef that I started with last November. I have a BlueLine 10K on either end of the tank and a XM 14K in the center. The BlueLine on the right hand end of the tank is just starting to shift as the sand is not as white. Shifting the position of the center pendant will change the color of the sands' appearance, so I know the sand is still white. I will be replacing the bulb in the next couple weeks or so, that gave me 10 months out of that one and the other 2 will probably be replaced pretty soon too.

 

[rdnyva]

Should you change all your bulbs at once or does it matter. I just changed the left and right bulbs, but since MH bulbs are a little pricey I was putting off replacing the center bulb for a few months. Is this OK?

 

[gman19]

I change mine as needed and keep a log of when and what was changed...The initial discipline is to dig into my pockets and keep a couple spares in the closet.

When one is used from the closet...I replace it with another new one.

 

[dermer]

ok so now that it may be getting time for me to get new bulbs were is the best place to buy them

 

[gman19]

www.marinedepot.com or www.customaquatic.com are the 2 places I start with. customaquatic may have better prices but be careful with shipping as they are kind of pricey. Both ship quickly and I have had really good service from them both.

www.championlighing.com is another good one to check out.