How do you know if your light is overdue

[nitram]

not sure if my 400w HSP bulb is showing signs of dying out.

 

I don't know the signs that your bulb is dying ? Obiously, if it's not working I need a new one. :thumbdown

 

I know that the life is approximately 3000 hrs - but I have not added up the hours.

 

I want you ask you people on Oz stoners if there are any signs such as a decrease in yield, change in coulur, dimming (lowered intensity) which would indicate that a new bulb is in order.

 

I have not noticed a change of intensity

(not that I have access to a light meter either)

 

The colour is same to me - very orange.

 

I can not determine when I purchased it (date unknown), but it is approximately 12 mths ago - I run the 400w HSP for flowering only (12/12).

 

I believe I have done 4 - 6 grows with it. In hours this would be 2,400 hrs. to be honest I couldn't say this is correct so is there any other way other than using a light meter ?

 

Any advice & comments would help be appreciated - thanks all

[Tom]

I would be considering a new one, having been used for flowering only you could probably still get another grow or two out of it but the yield increase you would get out of a new globe should more than cover the cost of the replacement.

 

[WantDaChronic]

i have seen with my globes that the light isnt as orange but still fairly intense....from everything i have read about globes that have been used for too long, they'll still grow plants but like tom said you'd be better off buying a new globe as it'll increase your yield which will make up for the cost of the globe and then some

[nitram]

Thanks for the replies Tom & wantdachronic. I have noticed a decrease in bus size my end, so a new bulb is due.

 

N.

[Buddy]

I've had my three 600 watters blazing away almost continuously for three years and they are still going strong. the light meter still reads the same.

However, I was given a used 600 watt bulb for a spare and it died after a day or two.

I will listen to the experts here and probably buy more lights after this current grow but I was originally going to wait till the white flies started dancing around on them