HQI bulb life

jubjub · 11/05/2008, 01:21 PM

im looking to get some better growth and well i've had my 250w DE bulbs for almost a year now. how long should i expect them to last.

im thinking of getting some 10k bulbs to replace the 15k bulbs is this a good idea? will i see improved growth?

also im noticing alot more algae on the sides of my tank, this is a sign of bulbs starting to go right?

Jandree22 · 11/05/2008, 02:21 PM

time for a new bulb, and yep, a 10k bulb should definately increase your growth rate... at least by a bit.

MH bulbs should generally be replaced at least every 9-12 months. I believe the rule is leaning towards replacement more frequently the higher the Kelvin temp of the bulb, but maybe I'm making that up

8BALL_99 · 11/05/2008, 02:30 PM

Well really thats up for debate a little. RK magizine and a few others have had articles stating that your MH bulbs loose something like 25% of their output in the first 6 months between 6-15/18 months they only loose another 5-8%. So basicly either change them at 6 months or wait till more like 15 to 18 months. If I remember right this was based on either a 10 or 8 hour lighting period per day.. Thats something else to consider.. If you run your lights 6 hours a day then it doesn't make much since to change yours the same time as guy that runs his 10 hours.

10k Bulbs would make a Huge difference.. Not sure what bulbs you have but most of the 15k suck.. 20k tend to put out more par then several of the 15ks..

jubjub · 11/05/2008, 03:22 PM

ugh they are oddyssea stock bulbs so im venturing they suck

11/05/2008, 01:21 PM	#1
jubjub Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: vacaville, cali Posts: 2,698	HQI bulb life im looking to get some better growth and well i've had my 250w DE bulbs for almost a year now. how long should i expect them to last. im thinking of getting some 10k bulbs to replace the 15k bulbs is this a good idea? will i see improved growth? also im noticing alot more algae on the sides of my tank, this is a sign of bulbs starting to go right? __________________ "The world holds two classes of men - intelligent men without religion, and religious men without intelligence." - Abu Ala Al-Maari

11/05/2008, 02:21 PM	#2
Jandree22 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Middletown PA Posts: 762	time for a new bulb, and yep, a 10k bulb should definately increase your growth rate... at least by a bit. MH bulbs should generally be replaced at least every 9-12 months. I believe the rule is leaning towards replacement more frequently the higher the Kelvin temp of the bulb, but maybe I'm making that up __________________ Tank Info: 120g

11/05/2008, 02:30 PM	#3
8BALL_99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Toney, AL Posts: 3,724	Well really thats up for debate a little. RK magizine and a few others have had articles stating that your MH bulbs loose something like 25% of their output in the first 6 months between 6-15/18 months they only loose another 5-8%. So basicly either change them at 6 months or wait till more like 15 to 18 months. If I remember right this was based on either a 10 or 8 hour lighting period per day.. Thats something else to consider.. If you run your lights 6 hours a day then it doesn't make much since to change yours the same time as guy that runs his 10 hours. 10k Bulbs would make a Huge difference.. Not sure what bulbs you have but most of the 15k suck.. 20k tend to put out more par then several of the 15ks.. __________________ The problem with political jokes is they get elected. OK, so what's the speed of dark? Why do we drive on the parkway and park in the driveway? Isn't is it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? Current Tank Info: Custom Starfire 300,92Gallon,35 Gallon Hex,Two 40Gallons,125Gallon,

11/05/2008, 03:22 PM	#4
jubjub Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: vacaville, cali Posts: 2,698	ugh they are oddyssea stock bulbs so im venturing they suck __________________ "The world holds two classes of men - intelligent men without religion, and religious men without intelligence." - Abu Ala Al-Maari