How do I tell if a MH bulb is still good?

dawaterboy · 09/13/2009, 07:56 AM

I bought a used fixture and I'm not sure if the bulbs are still good or not. It's a 250w with hid ballast. The guy said one bulb was used for two weeks and one for four months. Not sure I believe anything someone selling something says though.

indydog1 · 09/13/2009, 08:18 AM

only way to tell for sure is a par meter. or use them and see how quickly you get algae. or for the sake of your mind just get new bulbs and you will know exactly when they were last changed.

spscoral101 · 09/13/2009, 08:55 AM

When you start see increasing growth in algae. Yeah, par meter would be a good way to check your bulbs.

sedor · 09/13/2009, 09:12 AM

If you've got the $$$ just replace the bulbs and save the originals as backups in case of emergency. Never hurts to get some brand new bulbs.

09/13/2009, 07:56 AM	#1
dawaterboy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: waterford, mi Posts: 214	How do I tell if a MH bulb is still good? I bought a used fixture and I'm not sure if the bulbs are still good or not. It's a 250w with hid ballast. The guy said one bulb was used for two weeks and one for four months. Not sure I believe anything someone selling something says though.

09/13/2009, 08:18 AM	#2
indydog1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: round lake, il Posts: 1,590	only way to tell for sure is a par meter. or use them and see how quickly you get algae. or for the sake of your mind just get new bulbs and you will know exactly when they were last changed. __________________ Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself Current Tank Info: 210 gal

09/13/2009, 09:12 AM	#4
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	If you've got the $$$ just replace the bulbs and save the originals as backups in case of emergency. Never hurts to get some brand new bulbs. __________________ Ryan

09/13/2009, 08:55 AM	#3
spscoral101 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 17	When you start see increasing growth in algae. Yeah, par meter would be a good way to check your bulbs.