New Bulb Flickering
 

I put in a brand new bulb a couple days ago and I've notice that it's kind of flickering in and out. Not so much in and out of power or light but with different colors of the spectrum and intensity. Is this the way a new bulb breaks in or is it something else?

I have not experienced this with new bulbs.

What is the exact bulb you are running, and the ballast it is hooked up to?

It's a 250W Geismann DE MH bulb and it's being run by a CoralVue 250W Electronic HQI Ballast.

Darn, those should be compatible, I was hoping that was the problem. :)

I have not used DE bulbs, so others will have to chime in as to their experiences during the burn-in period for these bulbs.

It is not uncommon for new Halides to flicker. If it continues beyond the 100 hour break in period I would return it. (doubt it will though)

Can it affect the corals in any way?

Sure, weather it is good or bad who knows..I would guess you are getting a UV spike every time it flickers but that is just a guess.
personaly I would call the company and tell them what is going on and ask for a replacment buld.. they shouldn't be flickering.


Steve

I agree with Steve, I'd call them up... let them know what's going on, and see what they have to say.

They will probably blame the ballast because they can, but hopefully not. If you know any other reefers with a 250w HQI ballast, maybe test it on their setup and see if it still happens.

I bet they will say it's common for them to flicker during break-in...