Metal halide whining sound

[windcoast reefs]

Hey everyone,

Just setup a 70w halide and the bulb is making a high pitch whining sound. I thought it might be startup sounds but it ran 6 hours yesterday and didn't go away.

Any suggestions

[BlueTang<3]

Is the noise from the ballast or the bulb? I had a de 250 watt with dirty connection at the bulb and it made a funny noise squeal noise. But it was real bad touched the end cap and it fell apart.

[The Codfather]

It's crying, wishing it was an led........

[windcoast reefs]

Originally Posted by BlueTang<3

Is the noise from the ballast or the bulb? I had a de 250 watt with dirty connection at the bulb and it made a funny noise squeal noise. But it was real bad touched the end cap and it fell apart.

Yeah its the bulb, tried to remove it but it's stuck in there so I'm at a loss for how to remove it without breaking the bulb.

[windcoast reefs]

Originally Posted by The Codfather

It's crying, wishing it was an led........

Yeah I know, that's the end goal, but I needed to upgrade my refugium light while I wait for my leds to get here in 2 weeks.

[Borderjumper]

I had one of those cheap ebay bulbs do that. I guess it could be dirty contacts too.. Sounds like your bulb has been in there a while.If I remember correctly on mine you kind of have to push the bulb in one one end and pull the other end out simultaneously

[windcoast reefs]

Originally Posted by Borderjumper

I had one of those cheap ebay bulbs do that. I guess it could be dirty contacts too.. Sounds like your bulb has been in there a while.If I remember correctly on mine you kind of have to push the bulb in one one end and pull the other end out simultaneously

Yeah its an eBay bulb, and it's getting old. I'll give that a try! I'm used to the spring design where you just press one end and it pops out.

[windcoast reefs]

Any ideas on where the glass bead should be on a 70w hqi bulb? It was facing down when I got it but most people seem to put it up? Does it make a difference?

[Borderjumper]

Originally Posted by windcoast reefs

Any ideas on where the glass bead should be on a 70w hqi bulb? It was facing down when I got it but most people seem to put it up? Does it make a difference?

No clue, doesn't much matter if you can't get the bulb out you should maybe start looking for a replacement. Good luck,, 70w bulbs in a known brand are hard to come by. I have prolly 6 different ones and can't say I liked any other than the ushio one.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by windcoast reefs

Does it make a difference?

No.