Metal Halide Bulbs

[amstar15]

any idea why two of the same bulbs over time (month and half) would make each end of the tank look different? i have two 14k hamilton bulbs and one end has the 14k look (blue/crisp light) and the other end does not look as crisp or as blue/white if that makes sense.

any idea why?

 

[SkiFletch]

Identical ballasts? Equal wiring lengths?

 

[amstar15]

yes they both run off the same ballast. its a retro fit kit that i got from petsolutions about 4 years ago. the bulbs are 3 months old if that.

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, a 4 year old ballast is pretty old. They often tend to be at increased risk of failure after about 4-5 years. Could be that one of them isn't quite behaving the way it should or used to. Either that, or one of the bulbs was not made to Hamilton's usually exacting standards.

Anyway you can post a pic? I'm curious to see this

 

[amstar15]

alright here is the scoop so far. I pulled down the whole set. One of the halide bulbs has several cracks in the glass and that is the light that is brighter. I have ordered new halide bulbs from hamilton technology. as far as the actinics not working i am wondering if the end caps need to be replaced or if it is indeed a ballast problem. I am going to be calling the company in a few (they are in cali) and see what they have to say.

cross your fingers