Early death of Metal Halide bulbs

[reefkoi]

I have seven hamilton 250 watt D.E. 14K bulbs. I bought them 6 months ago, today I had the 2nd one go out. They have a small circular metal tab tack welded on the inside of the bulb, I noticed this tab just fell off the last one, and this time it seems to have burned off. Has anyone had MH bulbs fail to light prematurely? I am thinking the next go around I may switch brands. I will wait till I visit MACNA and see what the latest bulb is before I decide. Hamilton does give me new bulbs and they pro-rate the old one but I have to ship it back and wait a week or so. I'm just getting tired of that, and I'd like a bulb that is slightly more blue. I think they charged me only $10 last time plus shipping so I have to say I am impressed with the warranty on the bulbs.
Chris

 

[Crit21]

What type/brand of ballast are you using?

 

[reefkoi]

The aquamedic HQI, it came with the oceanlight fixtures I bought.
Its not electronic

 

[reefkoi]

BTW you run the 14K phoenix dont you? I liked how blue your tank was, brought out the color well

 

[racer69]

I have had the exact same experience with the exact same bulb twice. I bought mine at Mr. Aqua, and he just replaced it but it was prorated, and it was much more than $10. Keep us informed if you hear anything at MACNA concerning the Hamilton bulb because I like the color in my tank with them.

 

[reefkoi]

For sure Todd, I will be taking lots of pics and get lots of brochures from the vendors at MACNA so I can share them at the Oct. meeting with you all.
Chris

 

[calvin415]

Chris, I loved my phoenix 14k's and the EVC 14k is practicaly the same...

 

[Deuce67]

12K Coralvue Reeflux 250W HQI is what I use. I get nice coral color and growth with them. I run them off using Icecaps ballast.

 

[murfman]

I was running XM and Hamilton 10ks and got a Helios 12.5K. I really liked the Helios. My current set up is some kind of 10K I got from Castle Rock for frags. I think I will go 14 K next time.

 

[reefkoi]

Yeah i'm leaning toward the 14K Phoenix 250 D.E.

 

[Deuce67]

You will like the Phoenix. I ran them before too. Illuming.com is cheapest place you will find them at $55 shipped.

 

[calvin415]

Ditto to what Russ said, got mine through illuming.com as well.

 

[reefkoi]

Well i just ordered them, I found $52 from Reefgeek.com with free shipping, I called marine depot whish is my usual supplier, and they matched it. I cant wait till they come in, the hamiltons have been running for around 7 months which is early to replace, so if anyone wants a deal on some 14K bulbs I may let them go really cheap I have 6 good bulbs

 

[calvin415]

That's a sweet deal!!!! :eek2:

 

[reefkoi]

Yeah it is, I guess it never hurts to ask the supplier to match a price, I like dealing with one company especially when they give you good service. Anyway I cleaned the glass shields (they have not been cleaned yet and I've had them installed for a year) the vinegar worked awesome, I never knew vinegar worked so well, these things had salt literally baked on them, not spray but just a cloudy looking thin film that nothing else would remove.
Chris ,

 

[reefkoi]

Well the lights are in an turned on, it is almost as if they are 20K, very blue, I imagine as they burn in they may get whiter or a little brighter? I like the color though, however I am worried about coral growth, your thoughts??
Chris

 

[Deuce67]

It takes about 100 hrs of burn in time before you get the true colors. It will get brighter and whiter as time goes on.