I have a 400w HPS that was used once and then stored for 4 years. Should I invest in a new bulb? The bulb does not seem as bright as it use to. Or it could just be me. My kids also seem weak and, at least, is falling over. They are only a couple of weeks old. I have 6 about 3 to 4 inches tall. 2 are doing very well, 2 are ok, 1s hurtin, and, well the smallest may not make. I watered yesterday, no ferts yet.
wwboy your bulb should be fine unless there are lots of hrs on it look for problems elsewhere first. maybe just put light closer to stop the stretching.
You need to get them under light with more blue spectrum for veg. and get the light as close as possible. I've personally not used CFL's, but many do and the pics prove the result. You (I hate the word 'should'!) need to nix the HPS until flowering, if possible. .02 there...
I agree with solo about using the Halide for vegging. If thats all you got though, and the resources just arent available to purchase a Metal Halide system, HPS is better than most. I have used 90 watt HPS bulbs to root and veg in a cloning chamber once with good results. Now if your 400w watt has been used excessively for a couple plant cycles or more, or if the brilliance is noticiable dimmer, I would definately replace it. Its worth it, to spend a few bucks now and have a better turn out on your yield.. Also since your feeding the bulb with electricity and u have to pay your electric bill u would most likely want to get the most effectiveness outta her as you can. As a bulb ages or burns, it puts off less and less lumens with time. The plants use these lumens for photosynthesis. Ya dig? Hope this makes some sense.. as i am quite tired. G-FAM
sonagro They offer a lightbulb for most wattages that actually has a little MH spectrum light in it too! I have a 400W HPS system and a 430SonAgro bulb in it. The extra 30 is straight blue spectrum MH which the plants like during veg on top of the 400 watts of HPS.Look for signs on the bulb, i.e. smoke stains cracks, diminished brightness, this should tell you if need a bulb immediately, but if you can afford it, get 2 new bulbs now to have. there are also many other great bulbs out there that offer up many bonuses like higher lumens, longer life, etc. It is worth investigating. That is my 2 cents GB
I'd get a new HPS bulb You can get them for $20 (shipping included) on ebay. Keep the old bulb as a spare.
