MH bulbs

[Reefanatik]

ous do you know when to change a MH bulb? Will the PAR decrease? Is there a notice color change? Or just a certain timeframe. I have about 8 months on My radium bulbs and trying to see when I need to change them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Most people change them at 1 year just as a rule of thumb. When I ran MH I started changing them every 2 years just to cut costs and I didn’t notice any difference. People will tell you the spectrum shifts but I think Sanjay busted that myth a while ago.

Measuring with a PAR meter would be best. Set yourself a line in the sand like 10% loss and change the bulbs when you hit that point. Maybe start testing every 3 months after you’ve hit the 1 yr mark.

 

[Reefanatik]

Ok thanks. I have a PAR Meter to test when ever i want. I was hoping PAR loss would be an indication.

 

[mtraylor]

I would change mine between 8 to 12 months. When I started to see arcs of algae forming in the sand from each bulb, I would change them out.

 

[Captain Quint]

Most people change them at 1 year just as a rule of thumb. When I ran MH I started changing them every 2 years just to cut costs and I didn’t notice any difference. People will tell you the spectrum shifts but I think Sanjay busted that myth a while ago.

Measuring with a PAR meter would be best. Set yourself a line in the sand like 10% loss and change the bulbs when you hit that point. Maybe start testing every 3 months after you’ve hit the 1 yr mark.

+1 with you L.O.J. with your post. I admit that I ran them between 6 to 8 months though.