Hey everybody. I'm just wondering what everyones consensus is on bulb changes? I've read 12-18 months, 20,000 hours, 2 years, etc.

The bulbs are usually "rated" for 20-24,000 hours, but when do you change yours?

And is there really a big yield difference between bulbs for commercial lighting vs expensive "grow" bulbs?

I am looking to replace mine and I'm tight on cash, not sure which way to go.

Thanks!

[MTF-Sandman]

I swap my MH's at least every year and keep them for spares in case a new bulb fails. In the global scheme of things bulbs are cheap compared to what you get out of the system and can diminish by 20-30% of intensity within that year...which directly reduces the light getting to the plants which is like running an 700-800w instead the original 1K. I can't give you specific numbers on the differences between agro bulbs and standard bulbs, but there is definitely an improvement using the full spectrum agro bulbs.

Good deal. Moneys been tight, so I've replaced my dual spectrum 800s (2 400's in one hood) with cheapo bulbs from Home DePot, but I will spend the extra money when swapping out my 1k's. Just need a couple more paychecks... tough year.

[bostrom155]

Originally Posted by strainwhore

Good deal. Moneys been tight, so I've replaced my dual spectrum 800s (2 400's in one hood) with cheapo bulbs from Home DePot, but I will spend the extra money when swapping out my 1k's. Just need a couple more paychecks... tough year.

Buy them online, they are way cheaper than the 22 dollar MH bulbs at my HD. I get them for 7 new
https://www.e-conolight.com/Product/EFamily.asp

Look under Luma lamps

[RuralRoute420]

i use a 250hps and get my bulbs at HD also, the cheap standard kind.

i waited for almost over a year straight of 12/12 before doing so, and noticed a difference in next crop after bulb change for the better.

Thanks guys. Thanks for the link bostrom!