Ebay (Artemis) MH Bulbs

[christyf5]

For those of you running the ebay Artemis metal halides, how long are you running them for before replacing? Wattage and color temperature too please.

Currently I have the 10k 250w running, been in there about 3 months. I just switched out to some 14K that I had purchased sometime last year (or maybe the year before?) but only ran for 2 months before I decided I didn't like the color. I still like the 10k but am having some algae issues and it was suggested to try the higher kelvin bulbs.

Anyway, just wondering if these bulbs have a shorter life than the pricier brand names. I used to run my ushios for a year before changing them out (hello Boxing Day sales!) but nobody seems to sell them anymore so I thought I'd try ebay again.

Thanks!

[lockrookie]

I use them and don't switch them out until past the one year mark with no issues.. Mind you I'm going the opposite direction with the same end bulb I am currently running the 20k bulbs and am moving down to the 14k range I think with my t5s it's a touch too blue so I'm going to try the 14k and supliment with the t5's and see if I can achieve what I'm looking for color wise.

Keep in mind that yes eBay is a great price and I think they are a decent bulb. Sure they are not Phoenix or higher end but I had a box that came from Calgary or Edmonton when I bought one of my fixtures and wherever they bought thier Artemis bulbs from there they where charges 69.00 per bulb vrs the eBay where I am getting 3 bulbs for 69.00 well worth it to go eBay. Besides I'm a self proclaimed cheap bastard and even if I had to change them every 6 to 8 months eBay is still cheaper

Just my humble .05 (since the penny doesn't exist even my thoughts cost more lol )

[1eyedjyde]

I stopped running them after 1 burned out after 9 months and 1 after a few weeks. The colouring was off for a 15k bulb, too yellow as well. I went back to phoenix bulbs, no issue for the past 8 months.

[ChefFish]

I use the 175 watt 20k and try to replace them between 8 months and a year and am happy with them. I like the cooler of them and even if I replace them every 6 months its still cheaper. I'm switching to 250 watt, but expect the same results.