How do I tell if a HPS bulb is spent?

[Loafyboy]

Please excuse my lack of knowledge when I ask this question, I'm still quite new to this.

I bought some 400w HPS bulbs which had been used for approx a week before being replaced with 600's (or at least that's what I was told). I was wondering if there are any visible signs that show the age/usage of a bulb?

There are burn/stain marks on the bulb and the white bit inside looks very dark at the edges. Are these signs of age and use?

Thanks for any replies.

Loafyboy Reviewed by Loafyboy on 09-19-2009. How do I tell if a HPS bulb is spent? Please excuse my lack of knowledge when I ask this question, I'm still quite new to this. I bought some 400w HPS bulbs which had been used for approx a week before being replaced with 600's (or at least that's what I was told). I was wondering if there are any visible signs that show the age/usage of a bulb? There are burn/stain marks on the bulb and the white bit inside looks very dark at the edges. Are these signs of age and use? Thanks for any replies. Rating: 5

[the image reaper]

about midway thru a second grow on the same 400 watt HPS, I stuck in a new one, was MUCH brighter ... otherwise, no noticeable flaws ... you get used to looking at it, and don't notice it's brightness has dropped ... I now put a new lamp in, every grow ... I use cheap $12 lamps, and see NO difference over my previous $80 Hortilux lamps ... Google ' 1000 bulbs ', outstanding place to buy bulbs, etc (in Texas) ... :thumbsup:

[Deejay2163]

^5s Image Reaper , I don't mean to hijack this thread but I've been using the same 400 watt HPS bulbs for about 2 years now. What is the lumen decline with these bulbs? I believe they start out at about 50k lumens but after one year what , in your opinion is the lumen output?

[Loafyboy]

about midway thru a second grow on the same 400 watt HPS, I stuck in a new one, was MUCH brighter ... otherwise, no noticeable flaws ... you get used to looking at it, and don't notice it's brightness has dropped ... I now put a new lamp in, every grow ... I use cheap $12 lamps, and see NO difference over my previous $80 Hortilux lamps ... Google ' 1000 bulbs ', outstanding place to buy bulbs, etc (in Texas) ... :thumbsup:

Cheers Reap, I bought them on ebay, but I've decided to send them back as they are useless, brown marks and some blackening of the glass. The seller says he thinks I'm trying to pull a fast one, but his recent feedback suggests otherwise, a few negs for similar things. What a piece of shit, ripping people off. Needs a slap! :wtf:

I think new bulbs only from now on. :thumbsup: