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05/12/2007, 03:21 PM
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#1 |
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"Lurker"
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,131
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How often do you change out your MH bulbs?
I did a search on this and didn't really turn up anything. I have a 175w SE setup being run on an IC ballast. If I remeber right I think I've read that MH bulbs need to be changed out every year due to spectrum shifts and loss of PAR.
Anyway, how long is everyone going before changing their bulbs? TIA.
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Ordinary people are the ones scared to be themselves. |
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05/13/2007, 06:15 PM
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#2 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 165
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Good question, I have a similar setup and would like to know the answer. My LFS says 6-8 months, but I'd like more opinions.
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05/13/2007, 06:22 PM
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#3 |
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Can't Stop Time
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,079
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I change mine out about once a year.
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Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens |
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05/13/2007, 06:51 PM
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#4 |
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"Lurker"
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,131
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In some of the research I've been reading it seems they decline rather quickly. But it also seems to depend on the bulb manufacterer and the ballast used. There are really too many variables to be able to get a rule of thumb. I think I will just monitor my corals and let them tell me when it needs to be changed. But I doubt I will go over the year mark.
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Ordinary people are the ones scared to be themselves. |
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05/13/2007, 08:50 PM
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#5 |
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Phish Lover
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,642
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There are many variables in MH bulb life. I've found that higher kelvin bulbs lose par and shift their spectrum more over a period of time than lower kelvin bulbs. I try to change my bulbs once a year, but 8-10 months is better, especially for the higher K bulbs. Just be careful when replacing the bulbs that you do it slowly and acclimate the corals to the brighter light. I have had many corals slightly bleach when I added new bulbs.
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05/13/2007, 09:19 PM
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#6 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 643
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The major shift is in the begining of the bulbs life. After 1 year, the bulb is only going to loose 3-5% of its par values and will probably not shift in its color spectrum. That said, I run my Halides 2 years.
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05/13/2007, 10:15 PM
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#7 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 325
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9 months. After 9 months, you can tell right away.
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05/14/2007, 05:17 AM
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#8 |
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The OG mad scientist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SOFLA
Posts: 10,308
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I just cahnged mine after 8 months- and yes there's a noticeable difference -BTW XM's 20k 3x 400watts
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