Bulb changing

[mand]

If this has been asked before on here I'm sorry for asking again, but I can't find it :o

I have been growing now for around six years and in all that time I have never changed the bulbs for new ones. I am using a 400 watt system and I use a metal Halide bulb for the vegative growing and switch to a high pressure sodium for inducing flowering.
Now in all this time I have had rather good results and some decent crops, however the last crop was totally wiped out I suspect due to a blight of some kind, but I have noticed also the last few crops have been declining in there yeild and the plants have be getting a little on the slow to grow and puny side. Well I an not sure if it's the seeds or something else causing this?

The question I would like to ask is do the types of bulbs I am using require replacing at certain intervals, do they start to deliver less of the correct spectum of light with being used for so long?

I have tried everything to put things right, the only thing I have not done is change the bulbs, thats why I am asking this question.

Thankyou guys ..........................love mand xxx :)

[greendevil]

your ment to change the bulb ever 9 to 14 mounths

[mand]

your ment to change the bulb ever 9 to 14 mounths


Thanks darling, I reckon mines a bit over due then...............I get a couple of new ones straight away ;)


love mand xxx :)

[BobBong]

make sure when you're putting them in you use a shammy or a dry soft cloth to hold the bulb.. your fingerprints will reduce the life of the bulb... the old one wouldn't matter

[mand]

make sure when you're putting them in you use a shammy or a dry soft cloth to hold the bulb.. your fingerprints will reduce the life of the bulb... the old one wouldn't matter


Thankyou Bob, I never realised they were so sensitive.

Much appreciated :) .......................love mand xxx

[Zandor]

well that answered your question.

You will see black around the base of the bulb that is a good sign of when to change it. Not because it is going to go out right away but you are loosing lumens.

[HARDDON]

Yea...these bulbs will actually degenerate over time even WITHOUT bing used.

Two to three grows I think is the ideal life time.

[mand]

Thanks alot all you guys, I think I've had my money's worth after 6 years then :)
Already priced a couple of new one's up and I'll go and pick them up in the morning.

Thanks everyone :) ...................love mand xxx