MH question

[nirrad]

Hi. I just got a current-usa 250 w hqi outer orbit with t5's. One of the Metal Halides fires for a few seconds and then makes a noise and turns off. I switched the ballasts, so I'm pretty sure that's not it. Marine depot is sending me another bulb. But my question is this.... would a bad bulb fire for a few seconds (15-30) and then turn itself off, or is this an indication that something else is wrong.

Thanks in advance.

 

[nirrad]

this is my first MH fixture. can anyone help me?

 

[nirrad]

you guys are great.... big help.

 

[DarG]

Make sure the bulb is seated in the socket all the way. A good bulb can do the thing you are describing of its not making good contact in the socket. But did you swap both bulbs around, the one that fired in the socket of the one that didn't fire and vice versa?

 

[crazyguy34834]

ya, I had this problem. I did what DarG is saying but then they started doing it again after about a week. I replaced the bulbs and they have been great ever since.

 

[nirrad]

thanks for the responses guys.

I did make sure the bulb was seated properly. and I did swith the bulbs around. It is one bulb that is doing it. I'm hoping a replacement bulb fixes the problem.

Other than that, this seems like a great fixture, I am very happy with it.