How long do MH bulbs last?

[Gooli]

I am wondering how often i need to replace my MH bulbs?

[kfisc]

I do it once a year-

[exoticaquatics]

there isnt really an exact time but most people change them out 8-12 months.

[Gooli]

that was quick :)
thanks

[Gools]

I am by no way supporting this, but it's coming up to 2 years for me this christmas. I have just been flat broke. But my corals are still growing and I have no problems. So until I can get some extra $$ then they will be in there

[VaderWS6]

I change my Iwasakis once a year. My current Iwasakis were defective (only half as bright as previous ones), so I switched them out with my year old Iwasakis. The old ones still look great, and are just as bright. It seems like Iwasakis last quite a while with little color change. I wouldn't keep the same bulb for over a year though, I'm just using these temporarily until my new Iwasakis come in. I don't want the slight color change to cause an algae explosion or something.

[chadfarmer]

also remember some people overdrive the bulbs


also some people i know run there mh for 3-5 hour a day

[steve the plumb]

I run them 11 hr a day.Change them every year.They can last 12 to 18 months.If you are using 20k they start to lose par after 6 months.

[VaderWS6]

I run my Iwasakis 8 hours a day and the VHO actinics 10 hours.