bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - HID Light Longevity and Spectrum Question

Thanks for the replies. So, it doesn't sound like I should be in a hurry to replace these bulbs after 2500 hours (they were rated at 9,000 and 10,000 hours, respectively).

That said, I am always interested in a "better" bulb. Can either of you recommend a different brand that you find superior? Any experience with the MasterColor Ceramic Metal Halide HPS-Retro White™? Not sure if they make it in 1000 and 600 watt (I would need a conversion buld for the 600W fixture).

One other question about duration - do you tend to start at 14 hours or so and then reduce it a bit as the winter season approaches to allow a bit of a "rest" period for tropical and subtropical bonsai, or do you keep it pretty steady? Typically, I keep it pretty steady and I am wondering if I am stressing my trees by doing so (at least the subtrops like olive and bougs for instance).

thanks again.

Tom

25-Jul-2006	#5
tom_termine bonsaiTALK Artisan Join Date: Sep-2004 Location: Sudbury, MA Country: USA USDA Zone: 5b AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 139	Thanks for the replies. So, it doesn't sound like I should be in a hurry to replace these bulbs after 2500 hours (they were rated at 9,000 and 10,000 hours, respectively). That said, I am always interested in a "better" bulb. Can either of you recommend a different brand that you find superior? Any experience with the MasterColor Ceramic Metal Halide HPS-Retro White™? Not sure if they make it in 1000 and 600 watt (I would need a conversion buld for the 600W fixture). One other question about duration - do you tend to start at 14 hours or so and then reduce it a bit as the winter season approaches to allow a bit of a "rest" period for tropical and subtropical bonsai, or do you keep it pretty steady? Typically, I keep it pretty steady and I am wondering if I am stressing my trees by doing so (at least the subtrops like olive and bougs for instance). thanks again. Tom __________________ Tom