metal halide replacement

[Razor]

I've been in the hobby for a while but recently switched my lighting from PC to MH.

I've heard that these bulbs will last longer than PC but still need to be replaced after a while. I'm currently running three 250W 10K bulbs and I can tell the spectrum is failing, hence the need to replace them.

How often do you guys replace your bulbs?
What brand etc. do you prefer?
Can you recommend any online vendor with good prices?

Thanks.

 

[fyrefysh]

Your bulb should last a year I would imagine. I'm looking for a good brand myself but only in a 20,000K bulb. Marinedepot.com is a good vendor with good prices, but I'm sure there's plenty more out there.

 

[Rob Top]

XM makes a nice bulb IMO.
http://www.hellolights.com/
Has great prices

 

[Rob Top]

You made me think about MH bulb needs too. So I have been surfing, the above link still has some of the best pricing and there is GREAT service from them. That being sad there are some really good prices on e-bay too. Personally I think I will pay the couple extra bucks with Hellolights. Service is worth it some times. Last time I needed bulbs I had missed a sale they where having by 3 days, when I asked when the next time they would be on sale was they just gave me the sale price anyway. What retailer of anything does that?

 

[jdeets]

I generally will use mine until the spectrum looks "off." I think I got about 2 years out of my last set--175W Ushio 10Ks. I just replaced mine last month. Marine Depot had a sale and combined with an email coupon good for 20% off, I only paid about $50 each for them. I stuck with the Ushio 10Ks--they are a very bright, crisp white.

I think electronic ballasts help with bulb life. I also chalk it up to the bulbs. I used to use Blueline bulbs--my first set lasted less than a year on the same ballasts--they got really dim, because the inner envelopes blackened. I seem to get much better service out of the Ushios because the residue that collects inside the inner envelope is kind of yellowish-beige and doesn't reduce the light output too much.

I also like Champion Lighting and Supply. I have ordered a ton of stuff from them and they are generally pretty competitive and have excellent customer service.

 

[Razor]

I'm currently running the Ushio 10Ks and the bulbs have been great for almost two years, but recently I've noticed that everything thing looks too yellow. Also, I noticed that coral on the bottom of the tank wasn't opening as much and then did well when I moved it higher (closer to the light). I'm considering getting 14K instead of 10K this time around, so I can get a little more blue without supplementing with Actinics, but am weary of losing output.

My LFS sells the bulbs the 10K for $100, which seems nuts so I think I'm trying online this time around. Ebay has great prices but you really never know if the bulbs are new and most are generic brands.