remove waterproof part of VHO 3 piece german endcaps?

[Powder Blue]

I was wondering if there is any effect except loosing waterproofness if I only used the end parts of the VHO endcaps and removed the rest? It's just seems to be wasted lights to cover the ends up if no need water proof. Will the bulb life be affected?

 

[Mac1]

If you're using those lamps anywhere near a SW Aquarium, I would highly recommend against removing them. They're not Watertight, designed to be run under water... They are meant to keep salt creep/spray and humidity from corroding the pin connectors on the ends of your bulbs. Removing these rubber gasket-like parts, will make them effectively useless, and no better than throwing a Shop-lamp over your reef.

- Mac