400 Watt HPS Bulb Problem

MsBBB

MsBBB

Active Member
About two weeks ago I purchased a new 400 watt HPS bulb for my plants now in flowering. I noticed that the bulb has a dark blemish near the base. The bulb still lights up but I am thinking that I have a bad bulb and while it is still under warranty I should return and replaced the bulb. I am also thinking that this blemish on the bulb could be affecting the output or performance of the bulb. Before I go stomping back to return and replace the bulb, should I be concerned about the blemish and the bulb not preforming as it should? Thanks
 
hoagtech

hoagtech

Well-Known Member
Nope you shouldnt be. As long as your bulb is sealed your gases wont escape. If it fires it means its sealed
 
MsBBB

MsBBB

Active Member
Okay, if I shouldn't be concern. It's a 2 week old bulb that cost $80 ($10 discount), with a quarter size (25 cent piece size) dark spot on it. I already feel ripped off because of the price of the bulb (my choice, they had some cheaper), and now it's marked. What causes arc burns, other than the bulb trying to ignite, what goes wrong? Thanks
 
hoagtech

hoagtech

Well-Known Member
Oh. It thought it was a cosmetic blemish. If your arc is heating your jacket unevenly and creating dark spots, that will degrade the life of the bulb. I would return or exchange it asap
 
EvlMunkee

EvlMunkee

Well-Known Member
The mark I am talking about is a dark but silvery spot near the base where it fires. I am not sure if this occurs during manufacturing or when it first fires up but if they are tested at the plant it could happen then. I am sure it is harmless. I am holding one of my 400w HPS lamps right now and it has a mark that starts at the socket and goes halfway around. It is about 3/4" by 2 ".
When the lights come on I will check my other lamps but I have seen this many times.
 
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