New MH bulbs
 

Howdy,

I just replaced my old bulbs with 2 new XM 175W 10K units. After turning them on I have noticed a difference between the 2 bulbs. One bulb seems bright,white and the colours below it are very vibrant. The other bulb seems more subdued and the colours on that side of the tank seem washed out. Is this a problem with the bulb or does it need to burn in before it looks good?

bulbs
 

are both ballasts the same? and age?
ballasts make more of a difference than most people know....more likely ballast difference than bulb...

I haven't opened the ballast housing but there is just a single cord coming out. It is a Coralife unit. I believe it is a pulse start.

switch em tonite
 

switch em tonite and see if it makes a difference or the bulb is the same on both sides..if so bulb might be problem

Well, I switched them and the problem has followed the bulb. So, not a ballast problem. Again, will this bulb burn into a better colour or should I see if I can get it replaced?

Better try to replace it. If its hooped like that, it probably won't get any better. The 2 bulbs should have been identical in performance right. Since one is obviously not working properly, deal with it now, rather than risk the seller saying that you've had the bulb too long & can't replace anymore.

JMO,

Anthony

give em a call
 

i'd call who you got em from...
.. see what they can do for you...

If you haven't had 100 hours burnt into these bulbs then I wouldn't worry. I've had bulbs go through different stages of color for the first little while. (same brand bulbs)

The reason I ask is that I bought a used MH fixture originally and this is the first time I've purchased new bulbs so I'm not familiar with the burn in process.