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View Full Version : MH Bulb life - hours v cycles

stancfii
07/30/2014, 10:28 AM
Which one causes a decrease in life/spectrum of a metal halide bulb faster - the number of hours used, or number of cycles (turned on and off)?

If I run a bulb 4 hours a day, will I get twice the usable life over someone who runs theirs 8 hours a day?
alton
07/30/2014, 11:24 AM
Starting a lamp does have an effect on how long it will last. How the lamps starts also contributes to how long it will last.
SPS911
12/03/2015, 03:49 PM
Id like to see more opinions on this. I will be running several types of light on my tank and only plan on running the MHs for 4 hours. How long should they last?
outy
12/03/2015, 08:25 PM
How long should they last?

Yearly has been the standard.

I run 8+ hours a day I got 2 years out of mine, but I was asking for trouble.

They are so cheap, just mark the calendar and do it every year as a habit, and then thank me later.
shifty51008
12/05/2015, 04:23 AM
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/7/aafeature1

They can last a couple years if you can lower the fixtures a little bit after 8-12 months
alton
12/05/2015, 10:06 AM
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/7/aafeature1

They can last a couple years if you can lower the fixtures a little bit after 8-12 months

Actually they can last a couple years if you check them monthly with a par meter and not take a chance on losing your corals. Radiums for me last as an average with a 10% drop 16-18 months. I have had one last 24, but I also had one only last 12 months. I always say beg,borrow, or buy a meter. It's worth it in the long run
grigsy
12/05/2015, 10:20 AM
I can easily go more than a year but I choose to change out my MH lamps about every 12 months.
shifty51008
12/05/2015, 03:48 PM
Actually they can last a couple years if you check them monthly with a par meter and not take a chance on losing your corals. Radiums for me last as an average with a 10% drop 16-18 months. I have had one last 24, but I also had one only last 12 months. I always say beg,borrow, or buy a meter. It's worth it in the long run

I agree, my hamilton 14k's are going on 17 months right now. The cost of a par meter, seneye is on the cheap side but gets good results is worth the buy as it can save you the cost of bulbs in the long run.