For those with MH

[temple2101]

Just a quick question ... I'm looking to do a retro MH for my tank ... on the website where I'm ordering it says the retro kit has to be housed free off moisture and behind glass. Are your guys lights behind glass? Just wonderin, thanks!

 

[mr. tuna]

I have a retro.. and no mine is not behind glass...

 

[boomper]

I would recommend glass....it keeps bad UV rays out that can burn and damage corals. Its very unsafe to run MH without it.

 

[tizzo]

MH are (how you say in English?) vaccuum sealed in their own glass. If you noice, the part that burns is in a glass tube that is inside of another. If the outer tube breaks or cracks, it will then cause severe UV burns. I have seen many tanks without a seperate glass "filter". But if a drop of water splashes up onto the light, it will burst. So it is a good idea to make one if you can, but for different reasons IMO.
You can also use plexiglass from lowe's, it is much thinner, lighter and cheeper.
HTH

 

[saltcreep]

I run mine without shields or tops.

 

[marvida]

Two things to consider are;
1) Is it a mogul base or a HQI? HQI must be run with a glass shield. Mogul base bulbs may be run without as they have a built in shield (the outer glass layer).
2) What is the chance of water being splashed on the bulb? If water contacts the bulb, the bulb may shatter.

 

[temple2101]

Thanks for the replies guys ... so it sounds like if I wanna go without a shield I need a mogul base, but I'm still takin a chance ... there's always things to consider ... thanks again guys!

 

[tizzo]

See, thats why I just bought the whole hood. Let them do the work, and after it was all said and done, I didn't spend to much more!!

 

[fishman830]

i have 250's mogul, no shield