Is glass sheet needed between MH & water

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by CraigW, Feb 17, 2005.

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  1. CraigW

    CraigW Plankton

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    I know that mogul base MH have a UV shield, but is a sheet of glass (or acrylic) between the tank and the bulb needed to prevent water splashes from hitting the bulb (and breaking it due to thermal shock)?

    Thanks for the info.

    Craig
     
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  3. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    I don't think it's needed. MHs are usually pretty high off the water line.
    I do use a thin glass lid on the tank in the winter to help retain heat, but take it off when it's warm.
     
  4. CraigW

    CraigW Plankton

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    Thanks!

    That certainly will make my hood design easier.

    Craig
     
  5. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    No problem. Good luck!
     
  6. Blade_Runner

    Blade_Runner Gigas Clam

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    My MH came with a glass shield built in. If you are concerned, can you add glass in the hood?
     
  7. Black_Raven

    Black_Raven Scooter Blennie

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    I'd be very careful without a shield, if the bare bulb is exposed to water BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!
     
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  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    It would have to be a lot of water to make it go 'boom' I'd think. I have had little splashs hit mine without effect. Just wipe it off when it's off now and then.
     
  10. Gresham

    Gresham Great Blue Whale

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    Yah, I've doused may o MH, never had one go boom yet (from that at least). I have broken them with other objects on accident though, nd had one just go boom for no reason (coverred pendant-no chance of water enterring).

    We had a trigger at our facility that could spit like 3' from his tank, to the invert MH. he got that thing pretty wet, it never missed a beat :)
     
  11. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    I would be scared to take a chance. At the price of the bulbs why chance?
     
  12. Gresham

    Gresham Great Blue Whale

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    Chance what?

    Why even get a MH, if your going to block a good portion of light out with the unneeded shield? IMO you should settle for t-5's until you feel a little more comfertable with MH's. I have EMENSE experience with lighting and I have yet to have a bulb blow due to water splashing on it.