Metal Halides

[narkfish]

How do Metal Halides work? Can I put any type of wattage bulb on the lamp that I've been using 150 watt bulbs on? Also what effect do the lumens have or the degrees K have on the tank?

 

[teresaq]

you must match the ballast wattage with the bulb. If your ballasts are 150 wtt then you have to use 150 wtt bulbs. The color is your choice. 10k are more yellow, 14-15 k are a mix of blue and white, and 20k are more blue
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[narkfish]

Thanks, how often should you replace the bulbs? Does the higher K burn out faster at all?

 

[aquaknight]

Different color bulbs generally burn out at the same rate. Timeframe for replacement is usually between 12 months to 18 months, depending on your lighting period each day (7 hours a day is much less, when you're talking everyday for a year, compared to 12 hours a day).

 

[tangs rule]

Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaKnight http:///forum/thread/385838/metal-halides#post_3385855
Different color bulbs generally burn out at the same rate. Timeframe for replacement is usually between 12 months to 18 months, depending on your lighting period each day (7 hours a day is much less, when you're talking everyday for a year, compared to 12 hours a day).
+1
It's a matter of how long you run them each day. Your photo-period determines the life, regardless of the kelvin value.. if you only run a 8 hr/day period use of the MH, you'll see about 18 months life service,,,,,,but at 12 hour/day burn time, only expect 12 months useful life.