metal halides still good?

[vinesofetc]

i recently bought a tank that came with 2 250w mh, how can i tell if they are still usable?

[sirreal63]

If they fire up they are useable but I would get new bulbs since there is no way to determine the usage on the old ones. Most MH bulbs will be effective for 12-18 months but change them so you know how long they will last.

[alton]

Buy a meter?

[iwishtofish]

Buy a meter?

Well, I believe the spectrum can change as they age, eventually rendering them less useful. PAR (not to be confused with LUX) meters are cool, but a bit expensive.