Bulb Changes

[Guest]

Hey everybody. I'm just wondering what everyones consensus is on bulb changes? I've read 12-18 months, 20,000 hours, 2 years, etc.

The bulbs are usually "rated" for 20-24,000 hours, but when do you change yours?

And is there really a big yield difference between bulbs for commercial lighting vs expensive "grow" bulbs?

I am looking to replace mine and I'm tight on cash, not sure which way to go.

Thanks!

 

[MTF-Sandman]

I swap my MH's at least every year and keep them for spares in case a new bulb fails. In the global scheme of things bulbs are cheap compared to what you get out of the system and can diminish by 20-30% of intensity within that year...which directly reduces the light getting to the plants which is like running an 700-800w instead the original 1K. I can't give you specific numbers on the differences between agro bulbs and standard bulbs, but there is definitely an improvement using the full spectrum agro bulbs.

 

[Guest]

Good deal. Moneys been tight, so I've replaced my dual spectrum 800s (2 400's in one hood) with cheapo bulbs from Home DePot, but I will spend the extra money when swapping out my 1k's. Just need a couple more paychecks... tough year.

 

[bostrom155]

Good deal. Moneys been tight, so I've replaced my dual spectrum 800s (2 400's in one hood) with cheapo bulbs from Home DePot, but I will spend the extra money when swapping out my 1k's. Just need a couple more paychecks... tough year.

Buy them online, they are way cheaper than the 22 dollar MH bulbs at my HD. I get them for 7 new
http://www.e-conolight.com/Product/EFamily.asp

Look under Luma lamps

 

[RuralRoute420]

.

.

i use a 250hps and get my bulbs at HD also, the cheap standard kind.

i waited for almost over a year straight of 12/12 before doing so, and noticed a difference in next crop after bulb change for the better.

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys. Thanks for the link bostrom!