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View Full Version : Need help changing DE HQI bulb


pdonovan92130
02-12-2006, 09:50 AM
I'm trying to change the bulbs in my DE HQI fixture and I cannot get the bulb back in. Any tips? Are there any special tools? It seems like the bulb would snap into place, I just can't get it in.

Thanks,
Pat
Dakota
02-12-2006, 09:54 AM
It can be tricky (I've broken off part of the ceramic on the bulb before), but here's what I do. I assume it's a 250w? (since 150s have little spring things to hold them (like a toilet paper holder).

Anyway.. lay the bulb in the socket and push with your thumbs on the flat part of the ceramic. It won't neccessarily SNAP into place, but the top of the ceramic part should set flush, or just below the socket. You can do one side at a time too (push left side a bit, push right side a bit) until they are both snug.
pdonovan92130
02-12-2006, 03:02 PM
I managed to wedge a dental pick into the clip and get the old bulb out and the new bulb in. Without it, I cracked the first bulb when I removed it and cracked a piece of plastic off the new one. Thought I would share what worked for me. Luckily I walked away after my initial failure instead of grabbing a hammer or something to persuade the bulb in. I went down to the beach for a couple hours with the family to cool off and regroup.

The new bulbs are Ushio 250W 10k from customaquatic on sale for $64.99. The color is really nice and crisp. I have them in a AB Aquaspacelight. 2x250W 10k + 1x150w 20k.

I had to post picts on photobucket - my previous posts have put me over the limit for images since the site redesign - don't know if that was intential or not.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/pdonovan92130/DSC_0010.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/pdonovan92130/DSC_0009.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a21/pdonovan92130/DSC_0007.jpg

-Pat
Dakota
02-12-2006, 03:22 PM
yeah, they can definetley be a pain.. the 150's are so much easier. Let me know how you like the ushios... I know their single ended bulbs are super white. Never heard much about the DE. See if the stay crisp after a month. My stupid hamilton 14K turned a bit white on me...