Question on 12k MH bulbs

[fish_who?]

I purchased 2x250w 12k Bulbs from Marine Depot a couple days ago. I screwed in one, and turned it on (right side of tank). It was running while my 65k's were, just to see the difference. That night I put my other 12k in. When I got home yesterday I noticed the left side of the tank has a nice crisp look of blue and white, but the left seems like it is a 10k or a bit brighter than the 65k. When you look at the bulbs (turned on lifting the top) one the left side is a nice blue, and the right looks kinda purple. What is up with this? I talked to Marine Depot and they said all bulbs burn in differently, and the color will adjust. Is this true? My 65k's were the same instantly.

 

[Green Mariner]

I agree with Bob, don't waste your money!

 

[dbman]

Can you say "quality control?"

 

[bashcraft]

I've had 5 of these bulbs in the last 15 months. Never did get 2 of them that ended up being the same color. I have one that seems to be the blue color that I actually want. The others are anywhere from white to green to pink. My tank looks horrible with them. They obviously need to get their manufacturing processes under control.

BTW, after about 4 months they lose much of their intensity. I'll never buy another one.

Bob