Metal Halide Question

[MaxxGlock]

Is it necessary to have glass or something else in between the tank and the bulbs? I have 2 250watt 10,000k bulbs roughly 4 inches from the surface on my 55 gallon tank. I read somewhere that it reduces the UV by putting something between the water and the bulbs, is this true?

 

[Anonymous]

From what I have heard, with the exemption of Iwasakis, all aquarium lamps are designed to have a shield between them and the water. However most people don't do this unless they are using a double ended lamp where it is definitely required.
Also I would raise those lamps to 8-10" from the water surface.

 

[Ben1]

I agree 4" is too close and as he said, HQI put out a ton of UV because they have no outer envelope so reqiure the glass. I dont think glass is needed with any regular MH bulbs, as long as they dont get splashed too much!

 

[reefmut]

if I recall correctly all mh manufactured in the us are uv sheilded already... As far as the 4 in raise it... First the lights are burning with such a dergree of heat that one drop of h2o will make it go off like a shotgun.. second 2 250s over a 55 sounds like a heat issue...Raise it and see the heat drop...I fthere is no room in the canaopy think about adding a 4-6" extension to the canopy...

 

[Ben1]

I used to have my 2x 400 mh over a 55 then over a 75. Proper ventalation is all thats reqiured.

I have got small splashs on many of my iwasakis after they have been burning all day and never cracked/broken a bulb, not that it cant happen or wont but I doubt small drops of 78.f water will shatter a bulb. If it was colder make up water thats a different story.

Just make sure to use larger fans in your canopy.

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

One good splash equals one good popping sound. Then a call for a new bulb.