What happened to this metal halide bulb?

[OrrG]

I finally got the 90 up and running I bought off Bryan last weekend, with the help of some fellow RC members. I switched out the old 10K 150 watt Current bulbs he had with Icecap 20ks that I bought from Salty Critter. I bought them last Monday but didn't put them in until Wednesday. I opened them up and noticed some discoloration around the ends of the bulbs, like a burnt out lightbulb. I've never seen a MH buld so I thought this was normal, being a different spectrum of bulb, the old 10ks had white around the ends. I took the light down to clean the splash guards and noticed how bad they looked. These are pics of the bulb after 1 week of use, I don't think this is normal. I called Salty on Friday and asked if the discolation was normal and the guy said yes, for Icecap bulbs it is. The bulbs fired up and looked bright so I though it was ok. Now I'm a little concerned after seeing this after only a week! Are these bulbs bad?

 

[DiscoReefRover]

what kind of ballast are you firing them with the.. proper ballast is a m81 for a 150 DE bulb some electronic ballast will fire them but will cause premature wear..

 

[OrrG]

It's a Current Outer Orbit Pro, 2 150w MH and 4 54w T5s. The thing is these bulbs had discolored ends when I bought them, but not as bad as what they are now.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

if they were dicolored when you bought them .. then they had been fired already and even a test fire they shouldnt be burnt like that I would contact icecap to see whats up and also find out what MH ballast current uses for your fixture my guess is electronic but would have to research to be sure

 

[Steven Pro]

If Dan at Salty Critter has not already replaced them for you, just let me know and I will get you replacements.

 

[Old Crusty]

Wow thats impressive service

 

[Jeff Trout]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15041427#post15041427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Old Crusty
Wow thats impressive service

+1

 

[OrrG]

I appreciate that Steven but Salty Critter did end up replacing them with no hassle at all. If that place was closer to me I would be bankrupt I swear!

 

[Steven Pro]

Ok, as long as you were taken care of. I will make sure Dan gets reimbursed.