Aquarmckzo MH Bulb

[rbmead]

I just bought a Aquarmckzo MH 175 SE 10000K bulb. I have the Advance 120/277 M57 175W Ballast.
My problem is when I plug everything in, the bulb flickers then glows dim for a minute or less then goes out. is this my bulb, ballast or just the combination?
any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[rbmead]

No Powder, it's all Clear. the bulb was shipped from Hong Kong. but when i bought it, the ad stated USA. too late now, i have it. and it's been a long time from the last time I ran the M57 ballast. so I was thinking the ballast just could not fire the bulb.
any more thoughts?

 

[rbmead]

Thanks
I have it running now. it was a bad splice.