Dimming halide bulbs?

[Secondgen]

Can anyone tell me if halide bulbs dim down after time? I currently have a 15000k Hamilton DE bulb that I have been running for about a year now, and it doesn't look as bright. I have a magnetic ballast, and didn't know if the change was due to the bulb or the ballast.

[Wall_Tank]

yup.

Most recommend changing bulbs at the year old mark.  But some only go 8 months.

[chromiumlux]

6 to 8 months depending on what your keeping. The longer you go the more chance of shocking some corals.

[Secondgen]

I have heard of some going 2 years plus. I figured since Hamilton was a good brand they might live longer than that. Thanks for the info.

[Wall_Tank]

The best way to determine is to measure light output with a meter.

When you do change the bulbs, you'll need to re-aclimate everything to the new lights.  I put egg crate over the tank,then lay 2 or 3 layers of screen (just like a screen door).   remove one layer every 5-7 days.

I would suspect your magnetic ballast is not helping extend the life of your bulbs.

[HUNGER]

i agree

yup.

Most recommend changing bulbs at the year old mark.  But some only go 8 months.

[slandis3]

my old blueline bulbs were 3 years old when I changed them. Looked the same as the new ones

[lazylivin]

I use Radium bulbs and the intensity is much less even at 6 months replacement. I have to dim the new ones and raise the intensity over the period of a couple of weeks to acclimate.

[Secondgen]

I am thinkin I might get a cheapo ebay bulb for now, and save for a retrofit 250watt electronic ballast with reflector kit.

[lazylivin]

There are a couple of good ebay bulbs out there. Josh (jjw2121) has them on his tank. One that comes to mind is the Artemis. Not sure if that is correct spelling.

[Secondgen]

Thanks Brian, I am guessing Artimus is the sellers ID?

[lazylivin]

Here is a link for more information. http://corareef.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7360&highlight=artemis

[Secondgen]

Thanks for the link Brian. I think I am gonna give them a shot.