how many grows on a bulb?

[Stellybutton]

Sun systems 600 watt HPS that is into its second grow. How many grows should I expect out of this bulb before I should replace it with a new bulb?

[oldmac]

Hello Stellybutton,

Welcome to the boards. Sorry nobody piped up on this, so I'll give you my take.

I'm a firm believer in changing out HPS bulbs after 2 grow cyles of 12/12 or abt 16 weeks or so of use.

I just mentioned somewhere else that just 10hrs of use equals a loss of abt 20% of the Intial lumens you started with and it continues down steadily after that. That BTW is according to Hortilux, that makes some pricey bulbs.

I use cheap "generic" bulbs and buy them by cases of 6 at a time.
Tho recently in a partnered grow I sprung for some PSMHs from SunPulse (1000w) and they cost abt $160 each, sooo I might try to use them longer. Wait, I already have. :D Time for me to check them with a light meter.

OM

[Jord0713]

I am with Mac...every 2 harvests I change out...You for sure see loss of quality the longer you go. Plus there is nothing better than pulling a harvest on a brand new bulb...so beautiful and vibrant... :)

[Stellybutton]

Thanks for the welcome and input. These as I said are on their second grow and I supplemented them this grow with a couple of blue floods. Started the 12/12 about 10 days ago and those beautiful little buds are just peaking out, just make me want to smile. Oh, I am. :). Good source for bulbs? Thx.