MH Bulbs are a pain

[viperfish]

I just installed new 250W bulbs and broke the flat ceramic piece on the bottom (where you would put your thumb to push them in) I hope this doesn't affect the performance at all. I think the contacts are too tight in my fixture, I broke the ceramic on the old bulb taking it out so of course I had to fish the pieces out of the tank. What a pain in the #@$%! Anyone broke a piece of the ceramic in their bulb? Any idea if this will have any negative effect? The contacts weren't damaged at all.

[pelle31]

Done the same thing awhile back. Doesn't seem to affect the bulbs.

[viperfish]

I finally changed out my 20K AB bulbs for Pheonix 14K, you just about have to wear sunglasses in my living room! I like it! I did have a few choice words when I thought I broke my new bulb.

[whatcaneyedo]

In my opinion this is the single greatest reason to run mogul instead of double ended bulbs. However I run double ended too and yes I've even broken a bulb trying to push it in. The trick I've learned is to use some needle nose pliers and insert a small finnishing nail into the contacts to space them apart when changing a bulb.

[untamed]

Originally Posted by whatcaneyedo

In my opinion this is the single greatest reason to run mogul instead of double ended bulbs. However I run double ended too and yes I've even broken a bulb trying to push it in. The trick I've learned is to use some needle nose pliers and insert a small finnishing nail into the contacts to space them apart when changing a bulb.

I agree. I will NEVER purchase a DE fixture ever again. I've broken only 1 bulb so far, but that was enough to set my mind for good. Yes, I usually snap off pieces of the ceramic while installing them and that doesn't affect their performance.

Good tip with the finishing nail..I'll give that a try.

[lastlight]

I guess a very relevant question now is whether the phoenix 14k SE is as good as the DE? That bulb has 'driven' many a person to use DE. I'm still in the decision stage myself...

[chandigz]

I always adjust the clips on the fixture. I loosen the screws, put the bulb in and then tighten the screws.