problem with MH bulb

[Luis]

I got a new hqi MH bulb and stored for more that two months, the guarantee is over ... I try to use it in my tank and it started ok but after 30 seconds it turned off by itself, I wait and I try it twice and it happened again... it almost get the max potency but when is going to make it, just turn off what´s wrong with it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Your ballast may not work with HQI bulbs, some don't.
What wattages, bulb and ballast are they?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd think it a ballast issue too.

 

[Luis]

Thanks for the replies ... Well you can read in my ballast : "AQI 175 MH" it's from Prolighting INC
The bulb is a HQI bulb 175 watts from Blau aquaristic.

I've always used hqi bulbs without any problem, right now the ballast is working with the old bulb (another hqi different brand)...

Any clue? Thanks again

 

[Luis]

I've been doing some research and I have a ballast to drive plain MH bulbs and no hqi bulbs even though I've been using hqi bulbs for years 8O . could somebody explain me more about hqi ballast and plain MH ballast ? do you know any article that I can read to learn more about this issue. thanks again.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Some bulbs and ballasts just don't play nice together.

This archived thread from Reef Central is probably the most complete and informative thread when it comes to MH lighting.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/s ... did=624185

Sanjay Joshi has easily done more testing and reporting than anyone else when it comes to MH lights and his stuff can be found here:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

Probably more than you were looking for but maybe not.