HTG Supply brand 400w HPS Bulbs...BAD!?!?!

Hey everyone.

Has anyone had problems with the HTG Supply brand HPS bulbs? I bought 2 400w FloraLux lights from them. One came with a hortilux brand bulb and that has been wonderful, bright, clear glass, been going for about 2 months with no problems. The second light came with a HTG brand bulb...within a week the bulb wouldn't fire up. I could see the ends of the filament sparking, but it wouldn't fire. I called and they sent me a replacement. That bulb fired right up...but now 6 or 7 weeks later, that new bulb just burned out. also i've noticed the glass of that bulb was getting quite smoky...not smoky like i see smoke in the bulb...like maybe it was running hot and has tinted the glass a smoky color.

Are these bulbs garbage? or is there a problem with my ballast? i can't return it for the warranty because i converted both fixtures from an all in one ballast/hood to a remote ballast. I did the exact same procedure on both lights, so i don't think i messed anything up cuz the other one is going strong.

Thoughts?

thanks!
Skeet