How many grows?

My bulb is an CMH315W indoorfactory. With 2 grows behind it I was wondering at the developing brown discoloration, 1/2in 12cm coming up from the bottom.
The plan is auto's 3mos 20/4. If a bulb fails, just it just go out, or worse? Does this bulb still sound viable?

Fairly normal for hps bulbs to have some discoloration around the base.
I would run it till it pops or replace they're not that expensive.
Usually have a hours of use rating on the bulb.

bugzbean said:

Fairly normal for hps bulbs to have some discoloration around the base.
I would run it till it pops or replace they're not that expensive.
Usually have a hours of use rating on the bulb.

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He isn’t running hps

Herb & Suds said:

He isn’t running hps

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Derp........no they are not.

It is not hard to confuse me folks. And can't provide a pic quik so who knows. I called the guy I got it from and he said bring it back, thinks its arching at the bottom of the metal bit. I am going to check for the bulb type, thanks.

Just checked mine and there’s no browning after like 5 runs with it. Check if it’s double jacketed it will have another glass coating inside the outer one. Less chance of those exploding

bugzbean said:

Fairly normal for hps bulbs to have some discoloration around the base.
I would run it till it pops or replace they're not that expensive.
Usually have a hours of use rating on the bulb.

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By pop you just stop? As a newbie, 3rd grow I hope, the big hot bulb and ballast blasting away for three months is spooky.

Gemtree said:

Just checked mine and there’s no browning after like 5 runs with it. Check if it’s double jacketed it will have another glass coating inside the outer one. Less chance of those exploding

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Ok thanks. Hard to tell. Spacing like double glass?

lanibuds said:

Ok thanks. Hard to tell. Spacing like double glass?

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Yeah. I’d still look into getting a new bulb even a cheap one off Amazon would be better than a defective one

Gemtree said:

Just checked mine and there’s no browning after like 5 runs with it. Check if it’s double jacketed it will have another glass coating inside the outer one. Less chance of those exploding

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The shop owner seemed to imply some quality control issues possible. Thanks for the info.