250W DE Bulb Replacement Method

[IndyReefMan]

Has anyone else cracked a ceramic end to their 250W DE bulb during replacement? What an expensive mistake. Please post methods used in replacing these bulbs so I don't do this again.

[46FiatYamaha]

For replacing my 250w DE bulbs, I use a clean towel to keep fingerprints off the glass, and push gently on each side at the same time until it 'locks' in its receptacle. Never had the ends break on me doing it that way yet

[Willy315]

What made it such an expensive mistake? You can get a pair of new ends for $20

[IndyReefMan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13909459#post13909459 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Willy315
What made it such an expensive mistake? You can get a pair of new ends for $20

Where would I get this done?

[Willy315]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13912530#post13912530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IndyReefMan
Where would I get this done?

Premium Aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=LN-HQI-S250&Category_Code=Sockets)

[Jeremy B.]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13908678#post13908678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IndyReefMan
Has anyone else cracked a ceramic end to their 250W DE bulb during replacement? What an expensive mistake. Please post methods used in replacing these bulbs so I don't do this again.

Are you referring to the end ceramic on the bulb itself? If so, no worries as long the bulb is still intact. I have broken the end piece many times, as long as the metal is still fully intact to the glass itself it will be just fine to still run.

Just a tip on making it easier to install. If you can't get the bulb to go, try turning the bulb around giving it a go the other way. Also, try loosening up the end caps, this will help as well. Leave the end caps loose, as it will not hurt anything, and it will make it much easier the next time you change the bulb.

[grigsy]

When you insert a DE 250 watt bulb, line the bulb up in the socket, then push both sides down at the same time. Do NOT push one end in, then the other end in. This will cause that crack.

When you remove an old bulb from the socket, put two fingers down (one finger under each end) and lift the bulb up out of the socket. Lift both ends at the same time. It wont crack this way.