Bulb Lifespan

[ficklefins]

I have a 250w DE 14k MH setup and I was wondering when I should change out my bulb. I've heard all kinds of numbers thrown around and I was wondering what you guys/gals think?

Right now I am at about 6 or 7 months with this bulb.

 

[twon8]

i would say you're good for at least a year. ime when algae starts to grow its a sign the spectrum has shifted

 

[Shultz]

Some say the blue spectrum is the bit that goes first within a bulb, so the higher the kelvin the quicker the bulb should be changed?

Of course it also depends on how long your lights are on for per day? I have mine on 10hours & change the 21k bulbs every 9 months.....

Cheers Shelton.

 

[surfn]

Some say the blue spectrum is the bit that goes first within a bulb, so the higher the kelvin the quicker the bulb should be changed?

Of course it also depends on how long your lights are on for per day? I have mine on 10hours & change the 21k bulbs every 9 months.....

Cheers Shelton.

that is very true. i know people that use that iwasaki 6500k bulb and have used it for up to 2 years without replacing. crazy....

bulb life also depends on the ballast. electronic ballasts will let the bulb life run longer, but the bulb will be alot dimmer than running that bulb on a magnetic ballast (i'm talking about SE here). but running it on magnetic ballasts will also decrease the life. same with HQI (again SE), they REALLY over drive the bulbs.

i have no clue about DE bulb life span though.

 

[jessiesgrrl]

You know, this is a good question. What I really wish I had was a way to meter the buld, so I knew exactly when it was needing the change out. I'd make it and sell it for home aquatic use it I was the wiring smarts...

:D
Laurie