Advice on a 400w hps bulb

I have an eye hortilux super hps 400w bulb, but I believe it is getting old. I am a little new to growing and can use some decent advice. The hortilux is a $90 bulb. I can get a Plantmax hps for $20. What to do?

Im bout to switch mine out. Ive tried a few might get the 430w one.

Used plantmax bulbs b4.. Had good results.. Have one for my 1k... I have a sunmaster bulb IN MY 400 RIGHT NOW.. Same company as plantmax i believe not sure, anyways it works grrrrreeeaattttt was like 45-50 bucks i think i got it free when i bought the light and bulb together and the discount equaled what the bulb was worth

So I bought this lumen meter. Now I know the intensity of the bulb, I can adjust accordingly

The lumen meter is a cool gadget I would like to buy someday. How much was yours and what model?

I usually use my lights for 4 grows. I think any less would be a waste, and I have not seen any difference in yield and I grow in the same room with the same plants (clones). Some change them earlier and there is nothing wrong with that, it's just I'm a tight wad and really have to watch my coin these days.

WP

$40/w tax here in Seattle. It is a Hydrofarm. Measures in foot candles, so ther is a little math, but they have a conversion table on the web. U have to multiply pi. Any ways 1 foot candle is equivelant to 10.7 lumens, so off the top of my head, 3000 foot candles is 32,000 lumens. This calculation is for sq/meter, which is how the Manufacture gets these large #'s. I read all about it and can go on and on. I can get into P.A.R. but since horticulturist cant seem to agree on it and a meter is $250( I'd rather buy another 600w hps) This thing is awsome. I have a 250 halide, 400w hps, and a 600w hps, plus the sun. Bitches I am resourceful.