Metallic Residue on ends of HPS bulb

[RonSmooth]

I have a 600w HPS bulb I bought about 7 months ago and used it for two flowering cycles totaling about 16 weeks.

The ends are developing chrome spots like a vacuum tube does as it ages. Seems like its a bit early for this though. I cant imagine it doesn't affect the bulb performance.

I was planning on returning it for a replacement but I want to know what causes the discoloration, if it is normal and if it has an impact on the light produced.

Want to be prepared in case I get hassled when trying to exchange it. Or maybe it IS fine and I save a trip.

Thanks

 

[Pinball Wizard]

I looked at every bulb I got. I can't tell what you are looking at?

Some pics would help with a diagnosis.

 

[k-s-p]

Is this what you mean? First thing I thought of when you mentioned the vacuum tubes.

 

[RonSmooth]

Here are a few pictures. I went to the store to ask about it and the manager told me it was normal (without asking to see it)

I asked if it was normal for a bulb that was only used for maybe 8 weeks and if it affected the light quality or intensity and his response was yes and no...of course.

It may be normal I just have had more than 50% of the house brand bulbs from this place fail. They replace them but its a hassle. Its not a big deal when it is a fluorescent tube or spiral CFL, I usually have a few of those as backup.

Its not that simple with the 600w bulb I use for flowering.

I am shopping around for a new, better quality bulb anyway. I would have used the credit towards a Hortilux had they taken it.

Ill just have to keep an eye on it for now.

Thanks

A couple more photos of the bulb.:

 

[TheSmellOfGreen]

I had 2 new bulbs that had this issue occur, one started getting those metallic spots so went ahead and replaced both of them. Rather be safe than sorry but would really like to know what caused it or if it affected life/safety of the bulb in any way.

 

[pappy masonjar]

ron@ im not a lighting expert, but from the pics, that looks completely normal to me. i bought some 1000w hps/mh bulbs for 250 each and got home, looked at them, and there was all these white moldy spots inside the filiment. i took them back (the whole batch had it), they came with one year warranties. anyways, the shop owner ends up takin one to a industry convention to ask the manufacturer about and they said it was normal. but if it is normal, they sure photo shopped it off of the picture of the bulb on the outside of the box. but if its just that kind burnt look at the base and filiment, i think thats normal.

 

[SecondAttempt]

I was having this same issue with house brand 1ks, only mine slowly covered the length of the bulb... switched to brand name and haven't seen it since. I'm sure it cuts down on light transmission.