MH bulb split

[rastarainy]

ok so my canopy that was housing my mh bulb/reflector slipped of the edge of the tank and the bulb hit the tank. the bulb didn't shatter, it just split down the middle. both pieces of the glass bulb are still attached. the actual light still works, but the glass is split. so my question is, how can i fix this? or do i need to buy a completely new bulb?

 

[125G Reefer]

Run it. Get one for spare. Its a protective glass. I ran one for quite some time.

 

[rastarainy]

ok i'll probably do that. are there any side affects though?

 

[PaulErik]

It depends on the design of the lamp. The outer glass bulb has two purposes. Used as a UV filter and keep the bulb in a vacuum or in an inert gas. The arc tube (inner bulb) generates high levels of damaging UV. In some lamps the outer glass alone is used as a UV shield but in some lamps the internal atmosphere is used to lower UV levels as well. The introduction of air into the lamp can increase UV and deteriorate the bulb seals and connections. Ozone may be emitted by the lamp from the lack of a sealed bulb caused by the high level of UV generated by the arc tube. If the crack is by the arc tube the crack will allow UV to pass through. Personally I would limit the use of the lamp or not use it at all until it is replaced. The UV generated by an unprotected arc tube will cause cell damage and can cause blindness.

 

[rastarainy]

.....ouch. uh maybe i wont run it then. damn these conflicting answers!

 

[PaulErik]

This is a general warning lamp manufacturers provide for metal halide lamps:

"WARNING: This lamp can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation from shortwave ultraviolet radiation if outer envelope of the lamp is broken or punctured. Do not use where people will remain more than a few minutes unless adequate shielding or other safety precautions are used. Lamps that will automatically extinguish when the outer envelope is broken are commercially available."

Here is some more information concerning broken metal halide lamps: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/products/urburns.html

 

[rastarainy]

haha ok yea i definately wont run it. thanks for the info paul.