Metal Halide Build change question

[MikeC120]

Im changing my MH bulb for the first time and I have two questions.
1) I can't remember from the first install is this brown stuff on the element of the new build supposed to be there?
Bulb is a Radium 250w 20K

and 2) Im currently running my bulb for 5 hours.
I checked the par before & after and the par when up 100 ppm(not sure if ppm is correct term but the reading went up 100).
What is your recommendation for not bleaching anything.
(ie.) run them for 4 hours a day for a few days? put egg crate over the tank for a few?

Thanks

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Mike ,
Bulbs are clear when new, they should not be handled with bare hands to avoid the oils.
Some raise the lights with new bulbs & lower gradually, others "shade" them.

 

[MikeC120]

Mike ,
Bulbs are clear when new, they should not be handled with bare hands to avoid the oils.
Some raise the lights with new bulbs & lower gradually, others "shade" them.

Thanks Vinny so you think i should be concerned with this NEW Radium Bulb?

It seems to be working fine?

 

[MikeC120]

OK I just checked the bulb after 4 hours and the brown is gone and it is all clear?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Mike,
Never ran a Radium, but I don't think there is anything to worry about.

 

[MIKE NY]

x2 ..perfectly normal..I've been runing them for a few years on PFO ballasts....what type ballast are you running?...although electronic ballasts will fire them and look good, IMO they look the best running on a magnetic M80 style ballast...the cons are they are not as effecient and as they get older they won't fire up a new bulb, which is where I am now debating on getting the electronic Gallaxy or the Hamilton M80 ballast.

 

[MikeC120]

x2 ..perfectly normal..I've been runing them for a few years on PFO ballasts....what type ballast are you running?...although electronic ballasts will fire them and look good, IMO they look the best running on a magnetic M80 style ballast...the cons are they are not as effecient and as they get older they won't fire up a new bulb, which is where I am now debating on getting the electronic Gallaxy or the Hamilton M80 ballast.

Thanks Mike
Im running it on a LuXcore 400w Selectable Wattage Electronic Ballast
With the selectable settings: 250w, 250w HQI, 400w, 400w Super Lumens
and I have mine on the 250w HQI.