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MH Bulbs

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Entwisle06, Aug 19, 2009.

  1. Aug 19, 2009 #1
    Entwisle06

    Entwisle06 Inactive User

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    I was just looking for some input, as to why my metal halide bulb got so hot it melted the glass of the bulb? They are 400 watt ice cap MH with cheaper bulbs, unsure of brand. Any input would be appreciated.
     
  2. Aug 19, 2009 #2
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,170
    West Des Moines, IA
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    +33 / 0 / -0
    I don't know the answer...but it may help others if they knew how long the bulbs were in use before this happened?
    Day?  Week?  Months? Hours?
    -Eric
     
  3. Aug 19, 2009 #3
    Entwisle06

    Entwisle06 Inactive User

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    About 8hrs a day for around a month.
     
  4. Aug 19, 2009 #4
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
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    I would think this is just another reason why we can't use cheap bulbs on our tanks. The bad stories are endless. For me they blinded a lion fish for you it melted for another they crashed the tank. Unfortunately this is one area we definitely can't get away with buying cheap, we have to pay the 60+ per bulb. Urghhh .....
     
  5. Aug 19, 2009 #5
    Marc

    Marc Inactive User

    117
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    I know Ice Cap ballast push the bulbs a lil harder and lil more power to them... hence the reason everyone wants the Ice Cap ballast... ummmm... you said you where using cheaper bulbs... thats prolly your problem... cheap bulbs cant handle what the ballast is doing to it... you get what you pay for...
     
  6. Aug 19, 2009 #6
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

    2,329
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    Do you have any air movement to cool the bulbs off? That's definitely a problem if you're not. They get brighter and last longer when they are cooled by a fan or something...

    Adam
     
  7. Aug 20, 2009 #7
    Entwisle06

    Entwisle06 Inactive User

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    There are fans circulating air around them, and it is just the one bulb. They are both the same brand of bulbs and the other one is still up and running fine.
     
  8. Aug 21, 2009 #8
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    3,963
    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    Cheap bulbs are no good. Trust me I stuck my foot in my mouth on this subject a few month's ago. Buy new bulbs.
     

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