|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
|
#1
08/21/2006, 05:44 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Serious PFO Endcap Problems - Help greatly appreciated
Well, I finally did it. I finally got too fed up with my 6500k bulb that I went out and spent far more money then I would have liked to on a nice, new 250w phoenix 14000k bulb. The bulb snapped in and worked flawlessly for a good two days, until it simply fell out of the endcaps. Very literally: the bulb fell two inches from between the endcaps and landed on the protective glass shield of the PFO Pendant. I tried to force the bulb in, but was not too aggressive, so as not to crack it. It again fell out after one more day. Just now, I have put in the old 6500k bulb, which is enjoying the same fate after every twenty or so seconds of operation.
My problem is thus: I have SPS, anemones, rare zoanthids, ricordea yuma, and clams in this tank, so I need to get their light restored, and soon. I cannot seem to find new endcaps anywhere, and I am not about to try aluminum foil or wire or the like to secure the bulb, as I am almost positive it would melt. So, then: I figure I have about 48 hours before I lose hundreds of dollars worth of precious corals. None of the hardware/lighting stores in my area can help me, and I doubt I could get the parts online within a safe amount of time. Members of Reef Central: in all your infinite wisdom, please tell me what I can do to fix this problem. I was thinking about using solder or everyday electrical wire: is this a bad idea? Thanks in advance for saving my livestock. Mike
__________________
If life sometimes gets you down, just remember that you were once the fastest and most victorious sperm out of hundreds of thousands. |
|
#2
08/21/2006, 06:38 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Haven't used DE stuff before, but the bulb endings shouldn't get above 300F, should they? If not, you can try soldering in the bulb
 Use lead free solder (higher melting point). It sounds dirty, but if you have the equipment, why not? Otherwise, contact PFO and see if they have any suggestions. Or get some replacement sockets, such as http://www.hellolights.com/25hqisopaw.html |
|
#3
08/21/2006, 08:01 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thanks, theatrus. Can anyone with knowledge of the temperature of the bulb endings confirm whether solder would be a safe move?
Mike
__________________
If life sometimes gets you down, just remember that you were once the fastest and most victorious sperm out of hundreds of thousands. |
|
#4
08/21/2006, 08:18 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Additionally, how would everyday copper wire hold up? I understand copper has a melting point of somewhere around 2000 Fahrenheit.
Mike
__________________
If life sometimes gets you down, just remember that you were once the fastest and most victorious sperm out of hundreds of thousands. |
|
#6
08/21/2006, 10:32 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thanks for the help! The problem has been solved with some intricate copper wiring.
Mike
__________________
If life sometimes gets you down, just remember that you were once the fastest and most victorious sperm out of hundreds of thousands. |
|
|
Linear Mode
