Metal Halide Life

[farid2544]

I haven't found this answer in any of the post, is the life if the metal halide determined more by how long its been used(months) or how much its used(hours per day)? Is it 9 to 12 months regardless of how long you used them per day? I have 250w x2 10K and run them for 6 hours a day along with T5 atinics x 2 and T5 daylights x 2 for 12 1/2 hours.

 

[Krish]

I'm not 100% sure, but when they say 9 months or something like that, they are probably talking about 9 months going on the average number of hours most people run their lights which is probably somewhere around 8 hours a day (give or take a few).

Just my personal opinion on it.


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[farid2544]

Thank you. One more question, if I wanted to switch from 250w to 400w, can I just get a ballast for a 400w halide or would I have to rewire the hood?

 

[dnjan]

Assuming it was wired correctly the first time, with heat-resistant wire, you should be good to switch the ballast and bulb from 250 to 400.

Biggest problem is the effect of heat on the wire insulation.

 

[farid2544]

Thanks for the knowledge. Since I'm not sure if anyone has messed with the wiring before I bought it, I'm going to just wait until I upgrade.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

The type of ballast also matters to lifespan of bulbs. If running on an HQI type mag ballast, it over drives the bulbs and a candle that burns twice as bright only burns half as long. The electronic ballasts such as Icecap, galaxy, and the like allow the bulbs to run cooler and longer. All in all, 10-12 months works fine for most coral tanks. If just fish only, can go up to 18 months.

 

[farid2544]

If they burn twice as fast, does that mean that the corals are getting a little something extra with HQI ballast as compared to a slower burn electronic ballast or is it just wasted light potential?

 

[Herefishyfishy]

If they burn twice as fast, does that mean that the corals are getting a little something extra with HQI ballast as compared to a slower burn electronic ballast or is it just wasted light potential?

Overdriven bulbs (single ended bulbs powered with double ended type ballast) burn brighter with more lumins of light given off. More heat, shorter lifespan. For a period of about 5-8 years, the brighter bulbs were popular. Of late, smaller cooler more economical bulbs are becoming more popular. 400w systems are becoming less popular as are averdriven 250s. LEDs are where most are heading as they do not ever burn out if set up right, can have color controlled, run MUCH cooler and very little power consumtion.

I have a 3 bulb 250w halide system on my 180, but would prefer LEDs. Have LED lighting on my corner 54.

 

[farid2544]

How do you figure out how many L.E.D.s you need compared to regular lighting? Right now I have about 7.5 watts per gallon.