Replacement metal halide bulbs

[ChaseB143]

I recently got this metal halide light fixture, and I don’t really know much about it except for the fact that it’s coralife brand and I don’t think they make it anymore. I’m not sure how old the bulbs are, but I know they will eventually need to be replaced. Anybody have any idea what bulbs I should replace them with and where to get them. There are also to other lights in it and I’m not sure what they are either.

 

[piranhaman00]

That looks like metal halide and t12 (t8?) bulbs, old school. There was a thread on here recently about the t12 bulbs and how they worked well. Im not knowledgeable at all on the halides however.

 

[reefsponge]

Look at the bulb it should have some info on them. Looks like either 250w or 150w de metal halide and power compact fluorescent tubes.
Maybe a current USA fixture or Coralife?

 

[Johniejumbo]

Nice fixture! I’m not crazy about the compact fluorescent bulbs but they will do the job. +1 on reading the bulbs. They should have all the info you need to replace them. I believe you are supposed avoid touching the MH bulbs with bare skin. I’m not entirely sure why. I use a paper towel to handle mine though.

 

[nereefpat]

I remember those fixtures.

The MH is a double ended either 150 or 250 watt. The bulb should say. The ballast would also say. Bulk Reef Supply would sell the bulbs.

 

[biecacka]

Hamilton tech sells bulbs too


corey

 

[fish farmer]

Make sure to pull out the power compact bulbs and check the configuration of the pins before ordering some are square and some are straight.

 

[Sea MunnKey]

Nice fixture! I’m not crazy about the compact fluorescent bulbs but they will do the job. +1 on reading the bulbs. They should have all the info you need to replace them. I believe you are supposed avoid touching the MH bulbs with bare skin. I’m not entirely sure why. I use a paper towel to handle mine though.

Our fingers/skin produces some form of oily substance that would in turn affect the longevity of the MH bulb life span .... correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[piranhaman00]

Our fingers/skin produces some form of oily substance that would in turn affect the longevity of the MH bulb life span .... correct me if I'm wrong.

Correct, same with UV bulbs, the oil will burn to to the bulb affecting the light output, longevity ect.

 

[camostore]

The Phoenix 14k have been my choice and yes you should not touch them with bare fingers

 

[lordraptor1]

That looks like metal halide and t12 (t8?) bulbs, old school. There was a thread on here recently about the t12 bulbs and how they worked well. Im not knowledgeable at all on the halides however.

metal halide and power compact fixture

 

[lordraptor1]

Nice fixture! I’m not crazy about the compact fluorescent bulbs but they will do the job. +1 on reading the bulbs. They should have all the info you need to replace them. I believe you are supposed avoid touching the MH bulbs with bare skin. I’m not entirely sure why. I use a paper towel to handle mine though.

oil from your fingers can cause the metal halide bulbs to explode, and yes after hearing it i did a test with my old mh shop light LOL

 

[Breadman03]

Nice fixture! I’m not crazy about the compact fluorescent bulbs but they will do the job. +1 on reading the bulbs. They should have all the info you need to replace them. I believe you are supposed avoid touching the MH bulbs with bare skin. I’m not entirely sure why. I use a paper towel to handle mine though.

If I recall correctly, the oils on our skin burn on the bulb and create a dark spot, sort of like burning a little Pam in a skillet. That dark spot heats at a different rate than the rest of the bulb and the temp differential means the glass doesn't expand uniformly and can/will break as a result.