MH Bulb

[BMorgan]

When should I change out my MH bulb? I've had my current one in there (150W, 14,000K) for about 8 or 9 months. Still lights fine but for some reason, my acro is fading for no apparent reason and, as I've mentioned in another thread, I'm having some terrible hair algae problems.

 

[archer772]

What brand is the bulb, I ask because some bulbs may only go 6 months and others can go 15 months.

 

[Ace25]

15 months? That is stretching it.. I have read people having an XM 10K bulb lasting that long.. but never read any other bulbs lasting like that one. I do run that bulb myself, but since I overdrive the bulb I only get 6 months out of it, but I knew that when I picked a ballast that overdrives a 250w bulb to 372w.

Hamilton 14k bulbs need replacing every 6 months.. they are good bulbs for the output, but they don't last long. Most other MH bulbs should be replaced every 9 months is the general rule of thumb.

 

[BMorgan]

Ok thanks. I'm pretty sure mine is a Current USA. Like I said, it's been about 9 months and I think it's time to replace.

Would an old bulb contribute to coral color loss and/or hair algae problems?

 

[archer772]

Ok thanks. I'm pretty sure mine is a Current USA. Like I said, it's been about 9 months and I think it's time to replace.

Would an old bulb contribute to coral color loss and/or hair algae problems?

Then I would replace it and yes spectrum shift can contribute to unwanted algeas. I am not trying to argue ACE but have you checked bulbs with a par meter, I ask because I never have just going by what luck other reefers have had and the only bulbs that I have heard of going over a year are the XM 10k's and some of the 6.5 k bulbs sorry dont remember what brands they were. I have even heard of people going 2 years with good color and growth with there SPS's but not something I want to do or even suggest.

 

[Ace25]

You know, picture is worth 1000 words right? I just replaced some MH bulbs yesterday on my loaner tank/light. Here you go:

Pic taken with old bulbs, Coralife 10k 150w DE MH, 12 months old. Somehow I don't think I need a PAR meter to tell me that bulbs needed replacing. . Before the 72G was much dimmer, seemed about 1/2 has bright at my 29G with T5HOs, but after replacing bulbs, 72G now seems to be 2x as bright as the 29G to the eye.

New bulbs, Coralife 10k 150w DE.