What is the life of MH bulbs?

[finn-a-gin]

I have been battling hair algae and still eliminating many factors.
Now i have come to photo period and the age of my 250 w 14k bulbs.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Finns

 

[thegrog]

I tend not to let my MH bulbs go longer than a year.

 

[robchuck]

14,000K MH bulbs start degrading quickly around the 6-8 month mark. I used to use Coralvue 15,000K bulbs, and would start seeing nuisance algae build up at the 8 month mark.

 

[golfish]

It really depends on the ballast and the bulb..Some bulbs can last 2+ years (sakisstandard ballast) some only 4-6 months (Radiums/ HQI ballast).
I like to start out running my new bulbs on a shorter photo period and increase as the bulb ages.

 

[finn-a-gin]

I am pushing 15 months. The spectrum to thenaked eye seems as blue as day 1 ...but..
I am looking to replace these soon.
Thanks for your input, it is appreciated/
Finns

 

[escape2thewater]

My 250w 20k radiums lasted about a year. They looked good as new to the eye but when I installed the new bulbs....WOW! What a difference. Way brighter, way blue-er. Thats what hellolights.com reccomended to me & they where right IME.
Escape