Melting DE bulb...

[Dyspnea]

For the past 6 months I've been using a Giesemann 250watt MH DE Ballast , Bulb and Pendant, (Package Deal), I've been Quite happy with the whole systems.

This morning I come downstairs to see my MH system on But the bulb not a full intensity, I thought nothing of it because it would have been around that time of powering up. I come back Later and notice its still at the same intensity. So i turn off the light and let it cool and restart the light, this time only a faint blue haze is coming from the bulb and I see a bulge in the bulb. It clearly looks like it melted.




http://members.shaw.ca/jessehamel/IMG_0008.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/jessehamel/IMG_0007.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/jessehamel/IMG_0009.jpg

The pendant sits about 10inches above the water with excellent air circulation, I haven't even touched the bulb since installation. althought the end broke as it wouldn't easily come out. At this point not impressed with this megachrome bulb and won't consider it again.

Has anyone seen anything like this before? Is it a commen occurance?

[marcingo]

I got a melting spot in the same spot on my 150 watt double ended bulb. However it didnt really affect the bulbs intensity. I wasnt suprised about my bulb since its a chinese bulb that cost me $15. Im surprised a brand name bulb would do it though especially since it probably cost 4 times as much. Anyway mine is still working fine 3 months later with the melted spot too. I also noticed on one of my power compact bulbs I have on a nano the same thing happened where the two curved parts melted together. So maybe this is a normal occurence not sure though.

One wierd thing though on my MH I also broke the end in the same spot as you did on the bulb that melted just like yours. Maybe that has something to do with it.