coralife hang on MH Aqualight help

[bolt696]

Hi,

Does anyone have this light? If so, my glass shield broke that goes around the light bulb. I ordered another one but it won't be here until Wed. Can I turn this on with out the shield?

Thanks

 

[DgenR8]

That shield is most likely there to protect the bulb from water, and the animals below it from UV. I don't know for sure, but Wednesday is not that far off. I'd probably play it safe and wait.
What other lighting have you got? How long have you been without this one (I saw your post needing a new bulb)? and what do you have in your tank?

 

[bolt696]

Yes I have another fixture I can use, but I just upgraded to MH and bought 2 of these hang on units for my 55 gallon. When I took one of the units out of the box, I had broken glass. Thought it was the bulb, but it was the sheild. I will use my other fixture. The store is fed-ex'ing me a new sheild. Broke yesterday. It is more the fact that when you spend the money on a new toy you want to use it.

 

[DgenR8]

I understand the desire to fire it up, but better to be safe than sorry.
I wish I could give you better news.

 

[bolt696]

thanks. You know while you are on, It says not to use these lights with out a glass cover. So I got a split cover for my tank because it has a center beam. The lid has a brown plastic hinge. This is going to block some light correct?

 

[billsreef]

If the bulb is an HQI, than the glass shield is needed for UV protection. If it's a mogul based, that nice big glass envelope around the working parts is the UV shield and the glass of the hood is only to protect things from splashing water.

 

[bolt696]

Hi Bill, Yes it is an HQI. So seeing I have a glass hood now can I use the light for a few days with out the shield? Will the glass cover do the same thing?

 

[billsreef]

Regular glass does inhibit UV, however, I'm not sure how well it does as compared to the glass used for the shield. Since those HQI bulbs put out enough UV to cause problems if not shielded, I would play it safe.

 

[DgenR8]

The glass cover for your tank will block some light, and alter the color of it, but I can't say with any confidence at all that it's going to effectively protect against UV.

 

[bolt696]

ok. I will wait.

thanks for all your help this morning.

 

[onegreenray]

heres some info on the specs of the 150 hqi bulbs...


http://www.hellolights.com/1510hqidenc.html