How many grows?

[lanibuds]

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?

 

[bugzbean]

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.

 

[Herb & Suds]

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.

He isn’t running hps

 

[bugzbean]

He isn’t running hps

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

 

[lanibuds]

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.

 

[Gemtree]

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

 

[lanibuds]

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.

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.

 

[lanibuds]

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

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

 

[Gemtree]

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

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

 

[lanibuds]

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

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