Quote Originally Posted by ugh
I'm not here to argue or have long drawn out debates. Just new to this and looking for a little insight... I've been looking to increase the amount of light in my room, but adding another light isn't an opition for me..
Also with being sort of a newb I'm wondering wether or not to change my bulb for better results. The one I am using came to me second hand and I've used it for two cycles. Or do you let them die out before changing?
No harm no foul bud, it just hurts me to see people misinformed so I do my best to help out.

The bulbs should be replaced every 2 grows or so. With each use you lose lumen output from the bulb, so every 2 grows is good to change and get a new one in there to maximize your output. Some people will use HPS and MH, but I prefer to use the MH the entire grow. I am going to try MH for veg then HPS for flowering since they output that closest to the sun during certain times of the year.

MH will do good throughout the entire grow, but I guess that HPS would be beneficial more so in flowering.

I think you are about due for a bulb replacement. haha. Also, since you are a newb, check out the MH & HPS thread, it is stickied, alot of useful information that will maximize your light output to plants, i.e. distance from tops, etc.

My opinion, you are using just about the right size HPS for your grow area. Key is to make sure they are the proper distance away that way the plants suck up all the energy they need from that light.