When would be a good time to switch these bulbs?

[amuruges]

Running 2 250W 20K XM DE - on PFO HQI ballasts, running for 5 months, 8Hr photo period, when is a good time to swith them out? I was thinking about using Pheonix 14K's, How long would they last before needing replacement on HQI's? Tks

 

[otolith]

The only time I tried an XM DE 20K, it only lasted 5-6 mos before I replaced it (it really went down hill). I would think that would be on the shorter end for most bulbs, and would try for a year, unless you really notice a change. HTH

 

[Don Berry]

In my opinion the Phoenix 14K bulbs are only good for about six months as well. Great bulbs but not as high quality as some of the German bulbs that last a year. They are pretty cheap though, so it's not such a big deal to switch them out every six months.

 

[fijiblue]

I agree with Don. They are only good for six months max! They change spectrum real fast and loose par. I am testing 7 Phoenix bulbs today and I will post the par change. 4 are at the six month marker and 3 are at the four month marker. All in Hami Reefstar pendants.

They are the same price as the more expensive bulbs becasue you are spending double in a year instead of once.

 

[otolith]

The Ushio and A-B 10K bulbs I've used in the past have lasted over a year. My first set of ABs I didn't change out until almost the 2 years mark. They are a little yellow, but that can easily be taken care of with some VHO actinics. I don't have experience with other DE bulbs to really make any comment. Now I've gone with 400W SE anyway.

 

[delusions]

Dr. J - do you have PAR readings for any of the bulbs beyond 6 months? What did they start at after burn in?

 

[amuruges]

I asked the same on another thread, How about the Geisemanns? Are they good?

 

[fijiblue]

The six month bulbs averaged 256
They originally started at 312

They are all 10" above the surface and readings were taken at the surface. They averaged 28,000 LUX starting and ended up averaging 24,000 LUX . Numbers above were figured by the following formula:

PAR = 1.53 + (.0111)LUX

 

[want2reef]

One nice thing about the Phoenix bulb $55 shipped, compared to the Aquaconnect about $120 + shipping, If you can find them.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[kirstenk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7367565#post7367565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dr. JMadscientist
The six month bulbs averaged 256
They originally started at 312

They are all 10" above the surface and readings were taken at the surface. They averaged 28,000 LUX starting and ended up averaging 24,000 LUX . Numbers above were figured by the following formula:

PAR = 1.53 + (.0111)LUX

These numbers greatly vary fron Sanjay's site. How come? Surface readings?

 

[luckybaker4]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7368969#post7368969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by want2reef
One nice thing about the Phoenix bulb $55 shipped, compared to the Aquaconnect about $120 + shipping, If you can find them.

Just my 2 cents.

Where at!?

 

[Don Berry]

www.illuming.com