how long do YOU use an HPS bulb?

[eyeseaire]

I'm just curious about others preference on how long a bulb is good for. A lot of books say at least every 6 months. I have one that must be hella old (up to 2yrs) and another about 6 months, and they both seemed to produce the same recently. One hydro store owner had said to run it until it didn't light, others have espoused the lumen decrease as age of bulb continues. I'm about to get new ones shortly regardless, just to be diligent ( and to upgrade to better spectrum), I just wondered what some of you all believe or have learned.
thanks

[RedEyezzzzz]

yeah, that's a good question. Some peeps I knew used to be anal & trashed the bulb on the 1 year anniv.

[The Hooded Claw]

yeah, that's a good question. Some peeps I knew used to be anal & trashed the bulb on the 1 year anniv.

And that's anal RED?!!!!!!

I change mine every two grows and keep the last set for emergencies, so each new set I see a set go in the bin and a new set for spare.

I used to toy with this question and heard so many variables I chose my own routine that would quash any wrong doing except probably over indulgence.

For what were saving by growing our own, I think its a sure investment to change lamps regularly and remove any worry from the growing equation.

One last thought, if I were to grow 12/12 constant I'd go for 3 grows but for me that would be maximum, and I've witnessed superb results from lamps a year old!

I think the fact you are being diligent shows you know how to exclude worries from growing which to me is a good strength to have.

Nice thread.

Claw.

[CB]

every 3 grows ( 1 year) if i have the funds :)

have let my smaller wattage one's go till they start to flicker :o

peace

[eyeseaire]

thanks for the comments guys, there are so many varaibles involved its hard to know when a change is worthwhile. Its great to get some other opinions.

My gut, (okay, and science) tell me that the light will decrease over time, and this is a problem which needs to be addressed, its just my eyes are unable agree.

[The Hooded Claw]

My gut, (okay, and science) tell me that the light will decrease over time

Your 'Gut' (and science intuition) is correct. As any vacuum lamp it will eventually burn out....... but on the way will diminish in lumen's.
Being HID it will give such impressive light through till death that the loss of spectrum will be un-noticeable.
Your question to me is a valid one and if you make regular lamp changes fuck the parabol of questioning low yields on lamp validity. With any corner of your grow cover your ass and do things before they need doing. Only then will we know if its our own tight/lazy ass that's disappointed the final weigh-in.....

Grow and rock on...

[peakguy]

I do what CB said, every three grows I replace the bulb and keep the old one for a spare. If you are growing out sativas they can go 10-14 weeks @ 12/12 and that is a lot of use. Even 3 grows of indicas can be over 2,000 hours of use if you figure 12 hrs. day x 7 days week x 4.2 weeks per month x 2 months of flowering. Given the amount I spend for some of these seeds and my high expectations from my harvests, it seems common sense to make sure your bulb is all it needs to be.

[wakka]

every two grows here. a four hundred is only twenty bucks. we figure it's a worthwhile investment.

[The Hooded Claw]

every two grows here. a four hundred is only twenty bucks. we figure it's a worthwhile investment.

What Wakka says....... :gthumb:

[Dooby420]

I been using the same 400 for about 6 months still runnin good :eek:

Prob goin to replace soon :rolleyes:

-DooB :rasta:

[Berserker]

I use mine for 3 harvests and then I change them out.Keep it GREEN:D

[mc_riz]

Maybe i should change mine.. 2 grows and 3rd commencing soon enough, keeping the old 400watter for a spare is a good plan ;)

[Shadows]

I run perpetual, so calculating by harvest is useless. Every 6-8 month I put a new bulb in. Thru e-conolight.com 3 250w bulbs are like 35 shipped. Seems worth it to spend 25 a year on bulbs. Beats the crap out of 25 a week for a dimey.

[wakka]

I been using the same 400 for about 6 months still runnin good :eek:

Prob goin to replace soon :rolleyes:

-DooB :rasta:the only problem with that is that you can't see your bulb growing dimmer over a six month period when you see it every day. it's a lot weaker than you know dude.