Rookie mistake or this sometimes happen?

Been running my 1000w MH bulb on super lumen for like 3 weeks now and no problems. Just switched to HPS again 1000w bulb on super lumen, and after a day it’s fried. Is this because it’s only 1000w or am I just unlucky cause the bulbs pretty new? Also how much you think it’ll effect my yield being back on MH?

Are you running a de since you have a super lumen mode(assuming this is just over driving the bulb to 1150 watts)? I would say that's just unlucky either way shouldn't have killed the bulb that fast in any case, depending on where you are in the grow it might have some change on your yield as a flowering plant needs a different light spectrum from a vegging plant if your still in veg you'll be fine with the mh but if you did a flip you will want to get a new hps soon I'd say if you have the money

When dimmable ballasts first came out they used to recommend you turn the light on and then boost it or it can fry a bulb.

Seems manufacturers don't mention this these days and manuals don't even exist.

Its the chance you take running boosted or dimmed, but more likely to happen boosted.

nathanpunk said:

Are you running a de since you have a super lumen mode(assuming this is just over driving the bulb to 1150 watts)? I would say that's just unlucky either way shouldn't have killed the bulb that fast in any case, depending on where you are in the grow it might have some change on your yield as a flowering plant needs a different light spectrum from a vegging plant if your still in veg you'll be fine with the mh but if you did a flip you will want to get a new hps soon I'd say if you have the money

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That’s my issue it literally blew the second day into the flip... some shit luck right? I could get a new bulb but I don’t want to spend the money right now because I’m getting ready to relocate to LA for school so money’s already tight.

coreywebster said:

When dimmable ballasts first came out they used to recommend you turn the light on and then boost it or it can fry a bulb.

Seems manufacturers don't mention this these days and manuals don't even exist.

Its the chance you take running boosted or dimmed, but more likely to happen boosted.

Click to expand...

Thanks bud that makes perfect sense. I should’ve played it safe and let it warm up before given it the ole boost

nathanpunk said:

Are you running a de since you have a super lumen mode(assuming this is just over driving the bulb to 1150 watts)? I would say that's just unlucky either way shouldn't have killed the bulb that fast in any case, depending on where you are in the grow it might have some change on your yield as a flowering plant needs a different light spectrum from a vegging plant if your still in veg you'll be fine with the mh but if you did a flip you will want to get a new hps soon I'd say if you have the money

Click to expand...

I believe my ballast super lumen cranks it to 12 or 1300w

yo_Dyldo said:

I believe my ballast super lumen cranks it to 12 or 1300w

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Usually it's 1150, or 15% over manufacturer's rated wattage, to stay within the design 'safety margin'.

High intensity lamps are not made to run at wattages different from what they're designed and rated for. That's where they give their best performance, longevity, efficiency, spectrum, etc.

Growers with zero knowledge of the engineering that goes into such lamps second guess the professionals and are surprised when things don't go well.

If you want to under drive something, get an LED light. Don't overdrive anything you don't want to pop.

yo_Dyldo said:

That’s my issue it literally blew the second day into the flip... some shit luck right?

Click to expand...

Not really bad luck just yet.

As you’ve just flipped to 12/12, your plants are going to continue putting out veg growth and height!

You can leave your MH in for the next 14 days while you acquire a new HPS or you can continue with the MH but be prepared for less yield than if you were using an HPS lamp.

It will still grow, and it will still flower and harvest using an MH. (Just not ideal)