Q on bulb life

[fishfreak1242]

How long do metal halide bulbs last before they start to change spectrum?

 

[prattreef]

It depends a lot on the individual lamp and possibly the ballast too ( electronic ballasts might extend lamp life, but these claims are not proven). Bluer lamps have shorter lives than whiter lamps.

As a general rule of thumb blue lamps like the Phoenix should be changed every 8-12 months.

Whiter lamps 12-18 months.

I think there is an article in Sanjay's lighting guide somewhere that touches on some of this.

 

[pnoyreefer]

It depends like what Randy posted...

 

[fishfreak1242]

What if you have a 20k bulb on an electronic ballast

 

[prattreef]

Since there is no accurate data, most people change their lamps yearly and leave it at that unless there is a markedly noticeable lamp degradation or tank health issue that might be light related. I'd stick with that if I were you.

 

[fishfreak1242]

Since there is no accurate data, most people change their lamps yearly and leave it at that unless there is a markedly noticeable lamp degradation or tank health issue that might be light related. I'd stick with that if I were you.

Ok thanks