New HQI bulb not working

[john e]

The 150w MH bulb on my light burned out the other day. It was over 12 months old so I have been expecting I would need to replace it anyday. I picked up a new bulb today and got home and it does not work. When I turn it on the center of the bulb lights up blue as if it is going to warm up and brighten like normal, but after about 2-3 seconds it cuts off.

Any ideas if it is the bulb or the ballast? This is the HQI pendant that comes with a Solana setup.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cr500_af]

Should be the bulb, since your old one was working... have you put it back in just to check?

 

[john e]

The old one burnt out so I can't check it. The center of the old one is black from burning out, I assume that is normal when they get old?

 

[cr500_af]

They get black when they're still alive, too, but I guess yours is not going to help you any. I'm sure somebody here has a "retired" bulb they'd give you for testing, or at least let you borrow it... matter of fact, I have one you can try, but I've never tried it before, since it came in a "box o' crap".

 

[john e]

Well, I am just going to say it. I am an idiot that can't install a light bulb. I just reseated the bulb and it fired up. It looks like a tanning booth in my living room once again. Thanks Barry for the help.