MH Bulbs are a pain

[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...

[mark]

just wait until the metals clips in the bulb holder don't work (don't hold the bulb, or have bent when trying to insert a bulb) and you have to tear apart you reflector to change them.

[globaldesigns]

the same thing happened to both of my Ushio bulbs, no biggie. This doesn't affect their operation/performance.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

No such thing as a SE Phoenix bulb (as far as I know).

I find that if I push the bulb in very slow & carefully, not too bad. Try to rush & you're gonna break that ceramic part.

As others mentioned, doesn't seem to affect performance.

Anthony

[rynoe]

Last time I changed my bulbs I tried a tiny dab of electric grease, makes installling DE bulbs problem free.

[pterfloth]

I just bought a SE Phoenix 250w 14k bulb from OA. Still burning in. Bluer than the SE 250w 14k Aquaconnect so far.