Question about MH SE Bulbs

[wizsmaster]

Something I've always wondered ... does it matter which way/direction you install the bulb?

Left to Right, or Front to back?

On HQI's, they are always installed Left to right. I'm wondering about Single Ended Mogul Sockets

In the following picture, the outer bulbs are installed LEFT to RIGHT - the inner bulb is FRONT to BACK.

Does it matter, do you get better spread out of 1 way, vs. the other?

 

[tangers]

I'm not sure what's right, but I know I have seen them all different ways.

 

[cstires]

I don't think it matters, but I have read/heard that you need to make sure the nipple inside the bulb is pointing up...

 

[nauti1us]

The way I've always installed my SE Lamps is front to back (perpendicular to the length of the tank. It was my understanding that the light is dispersed side to side. The actual filament that gives off the light inside the envelope is actually elongated to about 2".

In most commercial canopies I've seen i.e. Hamilton etc they mount them the other way, I'm assuming they do that to cut down on the cost of the canopy in terms of materials (sheet metal).

On a smaller tank it may not matter as much.

 

[JUICE!]

with the reflectors that you are using, I doubt it would make any difference at all, but generally speaking.....in thinner tanks, I hang mine parallel with the tank, but in wider tanks, I hang them perpendicular.