When do you replace your HPS bulbs?

I coming up on the completion of third grow with my current HPS bulbs (600 and 400). Just wondering when they start to lose effectiveness and when you experts say its time to get new one.

Feedback appreciated :)

Hello scottcc5s,

The two specs that are given for all HPS bulbs are very misleading; intial lumens and bulb life.

Inital lumens means just that. When you first fire up that bulb that is what you should expect. But it drops off quickly from there and most HPS bulbs after abt 1,500 hrs have lost at least 10% of that rating. That is far short of the bulb life given, usually 16,000-24,000 hrours depending on mfg and wattage.

This always sets off the debate of expensive enhanced spectrum bulbs versus cheap genetic bulbs. While the more expensive bulbs might have a better PAR value and slightly longer usefull life, people who pay $100+ per bulb are less likely to change them often enough.

OM

my 430 w hps bulb lasted about 3 years i think

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Originally Posted by oldmac

Hello scottcc5s,

The two specs that are given for all HPS bulbs are very misleading; intial lumens and bulb life.

Inital lumens means just that. When you first fire up that bulb that is what you should expect. But it drops off quickly from there and most HPS bulbs after abt 1,500 hrs have lost at least 10% of that rating. That is far short of the bulb life given, usually 16,000-24,000 hrours depending on mfg and wattage.

This always sets off the debate of expensive enhanced spectrum bulbs versus cheap genetic bulbs. While the more expensive bulbs might have a better PAR value and slightly longer usefull life, people who pay $100+ per bulb are less likely to change them often enough.

OM

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Oldmac:

Thanks for the detials. Lets say I have average quality HPS bulbs (I spent about $60 for each) and I just over 2300 hours of use on them. If you were me and its not big deal to buy new ones, how many more hours would you go before you get new ones??

Just trying to think ahead on my next grow if I should get new ones or just keep using them. Thanks again for the feedback. :)

Replace once a year is a good rule for running 12/12 year round.

I always keep an extra on hand. I bought a light meter just so I could check my 1000w hps output. Have used the same bulb for over 2 years now and there has been virtually no change in lumen output.

Every 2 harvests or 4 months. Nothing more brilliant than a harvest under fresh bulbs.

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Originally Posted by killerweed420

I always keep an extra on hand. I bought a light meter just so I could check my 1000w hps output. Have used the same bulb for over 2 years now and there has been virtually no change in lumen output.

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Must be using a Hortilux... I do..

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Originally Posted by LOC NAR on probation

Replace once a year is a good rule for running 12/12 year round.

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I agree, If you are using the HPS "year round," it needs to be replaced annually. Any sales person at most hydroponics store would concur.

Thanks for the info/feedback guys.