Broken bulb - Need Advise.(pics inside)

[Tempset]

earlier tonight (while deciding to re-aquascape - a splash made it's way ALL the way up to the bulb that was still freshly cooling. The result was a "pop" and a 1" x 2" section of glass broken off and fell down into the tank.

I can deal with the glass in the tank. I can DEAL with the heart attack that came over me.

What I can't deal with is running out to the store tomorrow and buying a new $70-100 bulb.

This bulb is a 2 month old 250watt 20k Hamilton Tech. I have no other bulbs. I currently have NO other lighting for this tank. I've been seraching for T-5 in 36" for supplementation.

Included are pictures. Tell me what you think. Can I still use it until I can fork over the cash to get a replacement?

I've been told the biggest difference in single ended vs. double ended is the UV shield that surrounds the single end but not the double ended. The broken glass piece that is missing does not even get near the tiny area where the light is produced. Am I still at a SERIOUS risk of cooking my critters with UV light?

 

[kmf507]

I don't know. I would be hesitant to mess with something like that. Maybe try posting this in the equipment forum to see if you get some better advice.

 

[SkyPapa]

I wouldn't risk it.
I had a glass sleeve break while on vacation and it cooked everything. Fish, coral, rocks, even the algae.
It was only one of 2 bulbs on the tank and only one side of the tank. Still killed it all.
It was broken more than yours, but your call.

 

[Mr James]

Buy two, in case this happens again.

 

[frank2926]

Do not do it. I had a similar thing happen to me. Used the bulb and in 1 day it had damaged a lot of my sps.

 

[MrRoo]

Can someone explain why it would cook your stuff?

 

[Davidl919]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12479031#post12479031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrRoo
Can someone explain why it would cook your stuff?

In simplest term is like going to the beach on a cool breezy day but the uv rating is high and you left your suntan lotion at home your going to burn your skin but your not really going to feel it. Uv penetrates deeper.

 

[MrRoo]

Ok so because the glass is broken. I didn't know that little glass made such a big difference

 

[gulfstream]

boken bulb

boken bulb

If you try to ignite your broken bulb.....
while broken.......It will not ignite air has entered the bulb
therefore it does not work........
It would be like trying to light a broken house bulb.
nothing happens.

 

[styndall]

The glass around a metal halide lamp contains a gas of argon, mercury, and some halides like potassium or sodium chloride. When the glass is broken, the gas will escape, and the lamp will cease to function properly.

Edit: Also read this:

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/products/urburns.html

about the dangers of UV burns from broken halide lamps.

 

[swreasercher]

once a bulb pops it will no longer function. replace it and buy 2 replacements incase this happens again.