First ever grow - lamp problem! help!

[LoveTheMaryJane]

I'm one week into the seedling stage - germination was fine, and all else was ok. I have 6 small pots on the go, in a tent with a 250w HPS bulb, fans, the lot.
Problem is, - the bulb is brand new - 7 days into its' life, and it's started to cut out - virtually turn off. And then it comes on again. A period of 2 or 3 mins on and off.. Clearly, not good.
Is the bulb faulty? I have no experience of this type of bulb.. so I need the advice of someone who has..
I'm going to replace it now, with my 600 W HPS... and raise the lamp!
I intend to post a journal on this - I'm growing Barneys Honey B in soil....

It looks to me like the bulb is either shagged, or overheating. Temp in the grow room is steady at 75 F.

Thanks in advance!

The Fish

 

[Hogdady]

Possibly a dumb question on my part, does the ballast wattage match the lamp?

 

[LoveTheMaryJane]

Good question... And the answer is - No. The ballast was bought for the 600 W bulb...
I figured that would work with the 250 W. Am I wrong here?

Tks!

 

[SnowBender]

some digi ballasts have dials for different wattage lights. if yours does not have a dial with the wattage of your bulb, then no you cannot mix and match bulbs with different wattage.

 

[LoveTheMaryJane]

Snowbender.. I'll take your word for that. Thanks. I assumed that you could easily use a 600 w ballast with a lesser rated bulb.

Is there anywhere I can read up on the technical aspects of these "ballasts"?

As far as I know, they generate a high voltage/current to spark up the bulb.. and then they run at normal ratings - ie they follow Ohms Law.

Tks!

 

[LoveTheMaryJane]

Forgot to mention - it's a straightforward basic ballast - no dials, nothing to tamper with...

 

[Hogdady]

Forgot to mention - it's a straightforward basic ballast - no dials, nothing to tamper with...

A ballast is essentually a current limiter. When a ballast is designed for a 600w bulb, the current value is for that rating of bulb. Using a ballast that is rated for a higher wattage will overcurrent the lesser bulb, sometimes resulting in an explosion. Explosion not good.

 

[Hogdady]

Is there anywhere I can read up on the technical aspects of these "ballasts"?

Google is great!

As far as I know, they generate a high voltage/current to spark up the bulb..

This is true in Metal Halide lamps. HPS lamps require an "ignitor" to establish an arc.

 

[LoveTheMaryJane]

Marvelous... !! You are all just the best!

Just a thought.. would my ornery journal be of interest to the good foax round here?
I just have a basic set-up, growing 6 seeds, Barneys Honey B...

What you think?


The Fish