Bulbs on fire
 

OK, most of you saw the endcap I posted a while back, and we all blamed the endcap. It's happened again, but this time I got a better idea of what is happening, I think. I believe the bulb is getting hot enough to start melting the endcap, as you can see here, the melted area goes right around the bulb.

http://www.islandreef.ca/post/burnt.jpg

I wonder if there is something wrong with your bulb? I use the coralife end caps and have never had a problem with the VHO on them even though there suposidly for NO tubes.

Steve

Steve, this isn't the same bulb as last time. This is the back bulb. And my house smells so bad right now that I have to leave for a while!!

That is the feeling I have had all the time. It looks as if the bulb is in contact with the endcap. In addition the temperature probably exceeds the rated temperature of the endcap. Hence the melting. :eek:

yup but the temp should be no where near the rated temp for the endcaps.. so I am wondering if the bulb is to fault.

Steve

How old is the bulb Brad?

What type of ballast are you using?

Tony, the bulb(s) were about a year. Only the end got hot. I could hold the bulb anywhere past the first few inches. The endcap couldn't be touched by my bare hand for about 15 minutes after the lights were turned off.

Chris, I'm using a workhorse 7 ballast.

Do you think bulb age could be a factor? A year ... what is the recommended change-out schedule for these. Are they actinics? Isn't that 8-10 months (I ask, feeling suddenly very self-conscious about the 18-month old actinics on my setup :eek: )

Tony, I woulnd't think old bulbs catch on fire.

What if your WH 7 is acting up? I'd have a hard time sleeping if this was happening to my tank.