MH lighting question

[rguyler]

Those of you who have MH lighting inside your canopy, do you have any type of glass shield to protect the bulbs?

I am almost finished with my new canopy and built the DIY Luminarc reflectors and all for my SE bulbs (I know DE bulbs are already enclosed). I'm thinking that when these bulbs are hot water will destroy them if splashed so I need to put a glass shield between the bulbs and the water. Am I wrong or right? I prefer to not have any glass between the bulbs and water but don't want the bulbs to be destroyed. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[BurntOutReefer]

I dont have any glass...and yes, I've been through several bulbs due to water getting on them (but due to my fault)...mine where 10" from water surface..no glass.....

 

[TrojanScott]

My bulbs are about 8" off the surface, I'd guess, in Lumenarcs, and they get little splashes from time to time. (SE BULBS) I've yet to have one pop, knock on wood. I've even heard a "sizzle" on the bulb if I'm pouring water in and get a little splash come up to the bulb. I try to be very careful about it, and so far, I guess have been lucky. The day my blue throat trigger decides to spit up on one of 'em though, my luck might run out.

 

[rguyler]

Nice Avatar Trojan! ;-)

My puffer tends to get excited at feeding time and splashes quite a bit but my bulbs will be a little higher...around 14" if memory serves. Maybe I should just try it. Reefer, you said your pops were all self-inflicted...from splashing or just hitting them?

 

[James77]

I ran reflectors for years with no glass cover- its an accident waiting to happen. If its not water, it will be your arm touching the bulb and giving a bad burn.

I use glass on my current reflectors- safer, cleaner, and reflectors look new for longer.

 

[aquariumclown]

I've heard some major horror stories about broken bulbs due to splash, complete tank disasters when the bulb breaks and falls into the water and what not, killing fish and corals. I have SE bulbs and DE bulbs, both are behind glass. I like to be able to sleep at night knowing it's protected.

 

[rguyler]

Thanks for the confirmations. I've always had flourescent fixtures so this is my first experience with MH and thought that the hot glass and water would not be a good combination.

Any recommendations on glass? Just plain ol' glass or something special like tempered or saphire?