When to replace metal halide bulbs?

[TheCrazyFishLady]

On my planted tank, my fixture has bulbs that are reaching two years old. Do I need to replace them soon? They are like $80 a piece and I need two, so I would rather put it off as long as possible. Advice?

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

Nobody knows? Maybe I should have posted this in saltwater since it's a fixture for saltwater...

 

[blert]

A quick Google shows a bunch of threads where most folks suggest once a year. Many folks with dual lamps suggest to replace one every six months so as to not take the hit of buying two at a time.

 

[joy13]

I found some at fishneedit that are the right k for planted tanks that iare reasonable 150W Metal Halide bulb I have used their 14k for my sw but they were were a little to yellow/green for my liking.

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

Yea, that's what I've seen. I was just hoping someone would cone and say its fine. Haha. Oh well, I will be replacing them sometime. Hopefully Santa brings me new bulbs!

 

[TheCrazyFishLady]

Twenty bucks? Thank you so much!