bulb testing / strength and hours

[mrsats]

I am relatively new, but doing a lot of research... is there anyway to test bulb strength.

now when you do a bulb change you may be able to calculate the hours put on new bulbs, but is there any way to test a bulb strength and is there a set point to which it is recommended to be replaced.

it is my understanding that an average bulb will last a long time, but should be replaced every 800 hours, is this correct??

[JOHN @ URI]

High quality lamps may last 800 hrs, but most on the market will only last 600 hrs.
If they are 160W you will get 300-600 hrs max depending on unit.

What you can do is buy 3 Solarmeters.
5.0 meter: Reads total UV
6.0 meter: Reads UVB
7.0 meter: gives TE time

You will need to start with new lamps & take your readings after 20-30 hrs of new. That will be your base number. Then you can meter them every other week until you see about a 25%-30% decline in total UV. This will mean that it is time to change them.

[Tans R Us]

Hope this isn't a dumb question but, What is the "TE time" that is referred to? Thanks

[JOHN @ URI]

Basically it is maximum exposure time.

[mrsats]

great info, thanks...