HPS bulb age

[Jerry Maine]

My eyes may be decieving me but I feel like my 250W HPS bulb isn't as bright as it was/should be. It could also be the effect of the 2 CFL's in there. It would still burn a hole in my retina if I just stared at it, but it doesn't seem to make my entire room glow like I expect it too. This is my second grow with it, but it's about 3 years old, has been moved around a bit, and stopped/started a few times for checks, setting up etc.

Do these bulbs just slow down after a while and need replacing every grow or two or do they just stop suddenly? Either way I should probably look at getting a replacement, but would just like to know.



Jerry

 

[Guest]

Thats not your imagination bro,your lamp has lost a lot of zip.A good rule of thumb and I take these as a maximum is 12 months for metal halide and 18 months for HPS.Some people grow with the same lamp for years and years not noticing anything,thats because they havent bothered to change it to see how plants should really grow lol.

 

[CheeseNstomata]

erm 3 yrs is good going dude

buy a fresh 1 and reap the rewards

 

[Jerry Maine]

It's 3 years old but I've only had one grow out of it, most of the time it"s been sitting wrapped up in my suitcase a total of about 4 months burn. Isn't it mileage that matters?

Jerry

 

[Guest]

Definately,probably not as bad as a car sitting with old oil but yes it's rated in light hours not actual time so I'd say you have 4 months or so on it.Jerry,a 250 HPS from 1000 bulbs.com is literally a few dollars,I'd order one anyway

 

[Jerry Maine]

True. Hope to find one locally, and the one I have has a great spectrum, see if I can find it again.

Thanks

Jerry

 

[JJScorpio]

You should really replace your bulbs every 3 grows. You can by 250 HPS bulbs at Lowes for 15 dollars so it isnt a great expense......

 

[Guest]

well a 250 is not that bright..but four months use...you have another grow or two in that bulb

 

[Jerry Maine]

Yeah, I should buy another one anyhow, so I an old one with some juice left in it lying around in case anything happens to the one I'm running with.

Problem is they are asking a lot more for them over here in Japan, starting at $50. Replacing the same one (K-HICA250-H) would cost me $120!!. It has a great spectrum, which is why I bought this setup over others in the first place, and supposedly runs for 9000 hours. It just seems like robbery.

Anyhow I need another, so I'll have to fork up

Jerry

 

[groer]

It could be the ballast too, mine was bad after only a year so I went to a digital one.

 

[Guest]

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