MH worn out?

jnb · 05/27/2006, 06:35 AM

I have 2 250 20k XM bulbs - this is a picture of the light they are putting out side by side - I just noticed this - they were put into service 8 months ago - running 12 hrs a day - is this obvious that the right one is worn out or could it be the ICECAP ballast - is this typically how they show being tired - that is they would burn more blue/purple?

ROB2005 · 05/27/2006, 09:23 AM

as a bulb wears out it gradually starts to shift over into a lesser intense light spectrum hence why it looks dimmer.....it looks like its time to change your bulbs

tkeracer619 · 05/27/2006, 11:02 AM

8 month x 12 hours a day = worn bulbs.
9 months x 10h a day = worn bulb
10~11months at 8 hours a day = worn bulb.

Those obviously are not rules but a good judge of thumb

scottfarcuz · 05/27/2006, 11:16 AM

Are you running the bulbs on different ballast? They can change the output a lot.

jnb · 05/27/2006, 12:49 PM

no, same ballast

Quote:

Originally posted by scottfarcuz
Are you running the bulbs on different ballast? They can change the output a lot.

RichConley · 05/27/2006, 01:35 PM

20K bulbs...

You're lucky if you got 8 months out of them.

They really start dropping in intensity at about 3 months.

jnb · 05/27/2006, 01:44 PM

point me to some support for that please

Quote:

Originally posted by RichConley
20K bulbs...

You're lucky if you got 8 months out of them.

They really start dropping in intensity at about 3 months.

TimFountain · 05/27/2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RichConley
20K bulbs...

You're lucky if you got 8 months out of them.

They really start dropping in intensity at about 3 months.

I'd say that is a little low, I'd start to see color shifts at 8hours per day after about 8 months with ICECap electronic ballasts.

RichConley · 05/27/2006, 04:50 PM

There was a test a litle while back, and radiums had dropped 50% of their par in 3 months. Most of the other bulbs did the same.

05/27/2006, 06:35 AM	#1
jnb Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: S.E. Florida Deerfield Beach Posts: 2,581	MH worn out? I have 2 250 20k XM bulbs - this is a picture of the light they are putting out side by side - I just noticed this - they were put into service 8 months ago - running 12 hrs a day - is this obvious that the right one is worn out or could it be the ICECAP ballast - is this typically how they show being tired - that is they would burn more blue/purple?

05/27/2006, 09:23 AM	#2
ROB2005 Reefing Is My Passion! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 719	as a bulb wears out it gradually starts to shift over into a lesser intense light spectrum hence why it looks dimmer.....it looks like its time to change your bulbs __________________ If at first you don't succeed at reefing, break it down and set back up😁 Current Tank Info: 75 gallon corner overflow, 4-54W T-5 , dozen blue hermits, tiger pistol/yellow watchman goby, royal gramma, banghai and pajama cardinals

05/27/2006, 11:02 AM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	8 month x 12 hours a day = worn bulbs. 9 months x 10h a day = worn bulb 10~11months at 8 hours a day = worn bulb. Those obviously are not rules but a good judge of thumb __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

05/27/2006, 01:35 PM	#6
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	20K bulbs... You're lucky if you got 8 months out of them. They really start dropping in intensity at about 3 months. __________________ NO TANKS!!!

05/27/2006, 04:50 PM	#9
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	There was a test a litle while back, and radiums had dropped 50% of their par in 3 months. Most of the other bulbs did the same. __________________ NO TANKS!!!

05/27/2006, 11:16 AM	#4
scottfarcuz Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,610	Are you running the bulbs on different ballast? They can change the output a lot.