Weird smell from new Mega-ray?

[bluesoda025]

So I just started using the Mega-ray 100W yesterday. I have it in the Zoo Med deep dome fixture. I know a lot of people use that fixture with the Mega-ray so it should be okay, but anyways, onto the main subject. A few hours after I installed it, when my parents got home and I was out, my mom called me and reported a plasticky smell coming from it. When I got home, it was true that there was a smell like that. It isn't that strong, but you definitely notice it when you're near the bulb. So I am just wondering, is that normal with this bulb? I never had any weird smells at ALL when I used the Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W, so I find this odd. But yeah, yesterday I replaced the Solar Glo with the Mega-Ray and started using it right away, but that should not have anything to do with it. :?

This morning, when the bulb went on, I noticed that smell again. What on earth could it be coming from? This is a bit worrying.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

It is normal to get some smell from the megaray when first using it. I have always heard that they burn off some sort of gas. I have had a couple of megas and did not notice the smell after the first day.
How many hours has the bulb been burning now?

 

[LaszlosLens]

... I just went through the same thing all last week- I called MegaRay, and here is the solution:

They spray each bulb with a "frosting" as a BRAND NEW bulb that hasn't been burned for more than 10 hours has wicked UVB ouptut. You will see this frosting begin to flake off as ash and you will need to clean this out of your habitat; though it is harmless.

The smell is this frosting burning off, and it is completely normal.

:headbang:

-Laszlo

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Thank you Laszlo... this is good to know

 

[jortiz9758]

Also..make sure the fixture you put it in has a "ceramic" fitting on it, and not a plastic one. I have also heard of folks using the aluminum domes with the plastic attachment and the Megaray melting it.

 

[bluesoda025]

... I just went through the same thing all last week- I called MegaRay, and here is the solution:

They spray each bulb with a "frosting" as a BRAND NEW bulb that hasn't been burned for more than 10 hours has wicked UVB ouptut. You will see this frosting begin to flake off as ash and you will need to clean this out of your habitat; though it is harmless.

The smell is this frosting burning off, and it is completely normal.

:headbang:

-Laszlo

Ooh, I see. Good to know! I did notice that after about half a day of usage, the smell goes away. The fixture is ceramic, so it should be very safe.