MH bulbs... does cheap work?

[Mr Cob]

Ok, I need to buy some new 250w MH bulbs. I like XM but have found cheap bulbs both 14k and 20k on ebay for like $20-$40 per bulb. No name brand.

Feel free to flame them. I'm just tracking around before buying my next set and could not help but to wonder about these bulbs.

[Mr Cob]

PS... don't give me "you get what you pay for", I know that.

I'm more curious in why or what's the difference or "I've tried cheap MH bulbs and they stink". etc.....

Thanks.

[txav8r]

Any info on bulb life or color shift over time would be great as well.

[rockmp]

I am currently using a 14k 250w de bulb from here http://www.lightspectrumstore.com/servlet/StoreFront?cart_id=11261810

I have another 14k se 175w that i have been running for around 6 months. It has great color and I am having nice growth. I have not had any problems with them. By the way that website is the same one that sells on ebay.

[dipan]

I have a couple brand new 250w Radium's if you're interested ...

[justahobby]

Kyle46N bought his from Odyssea. He bought 20K to get a very crisp white and replaced every 6 months. I think he had good growth, he was always fragging stuff.