Well, I suppose I need to replace it. It hasn't been used in 15 years, but I've got at least one grow on it. So are these bulbs pretty generic? BTW, it's a MH, not an HPS. Looking at a Sylvania for $53 on Amazon. Good enough?
The problem with planting directly in large containers is that the plant will only draw water from the top of the container. You will have to water while the bottom is still saturated. This allows fungus to grow, which wouldn't otherwise grow. Generally though, you don't want to wait too long...