Metal Halide

[ngarcia11892]

So I have a 250 watt metal halide over my tank and last night after the light went out the bottom part that protects my bulb from salt creep bust open out of no where as if there was pressure and I'm not sure why, today I looked and the bulb was done so i replaced it with a back up and it turned right on. My question is why would it burst open like that, and how essential is that piece of acrylic/glass not sure what it is. Thanks!

 

[143MPCo]

It's normally tempered glass, could have been a splash of tank water on the hot glass or heat expansion of the surrounding metal caused a pressure point with the same outcome.

The glass offers a level of UV protection but, above all else helps protect the bulb and wiring internal to the fixture.

You should really consider replace it, if for no other reason but to protect the bulb and internal wiring etc.

 

[ngarcia11892]

exactly what i wanted to know, Thank you!