The cheap MH bulbs? Updated with New bulb video

[jlh81]

Has anyone used those lesser priced MH bulbs, Looking to get a 250 SE 14K. If anyone can give me there input or a link to a site they have used



Thanks

[Mr Cob]

Read this thread....multiple members have commented about them including myself.

I still use them. The color spectrum is hit and miss in my experience over the last two years. For example the 20k's I bought in the past were super blue and I just recently purchased some and they are more on the yellow side. But...for the price you can't complain. They grow coral.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?62341-New-20k-bulbs-from-Light-Spectrum-Enterprise&highlight=cheap+mh+bulbs

[jlh81]

Thanks Rob. when i saw your half circle were those the cheap ones? It was about Apr of this year

[alexdmg]

Just speaking from my experience, SPS bulbs are inexpensive, but you pay for what you get. I purchased three single ended bulbs and two of the three burnt out within three months. It's possible that I could have had power fluctuations, but the previous and replacement bulbs have lasted. It's also possible that I could have had a bad batch, but that's not going to replace the money I already spent on them. I'm due for new bulbs and will spend the money on quality bulbs the first time.

-Alex

[jlh81]

Just speaking from my experience, SPS bulbs are inexpensive, but you pay for what you get. I purchased three single ended bulbs and two of the three burnt out within three months. It's possible that I could have had power fluctuations, but the previous and replacement bulbs have lasted. It's also possible that I could have had a bad batch, but that's not going to replace the money I already spent on them. I'm due for new bulbs and will spend the money on quality bulbs the first time.

-Alex

Well i have always used the 60-70 dollar bulbs, just wondering if spending 35 with S&H was worth it. Still unsure on what to do. Might just go to the LFS tomorrow and pick one up

[alexdmg]

Well i have always used the 60-70 dollar bulbs, just wondering if spending 35 with S&H was worth it. Still unsure on what to do. Might just go to the LFS tomorrow and pick one up

I believe in supporting our LFS especially our sponsors. I purchased MH bulbs from one of our sponsors and the color was too blue. They swapped out the bulbs for me even though they didn't have to. You wouldn't get this type of service if you purchased them online and the best part is that there's no waiting.

-Alex

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Rob. when i saw your half circle were those the cheap ones? It was about Apr of this year

yes. The 144 half circle was always 20k or 14k el cheapos.

Like Alex said...you get what you pay for....and the risk of having a bad bulb is more likely than if you went with a namebrand bulb. But, having said that, so far I have only had one bad bulb which I mentioned in the thread I posted above and the customer service was non existent and i ate the cost...not much to eat though.

[jlh81]

Went to AD and picked up the JBJ 14k bulb. And i like it. Thanks everyone. Put a video on here so anyone who wants to see what the bulb puts out can. Its just the metal halide no atinics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1I86AlF7SU