Yet another Halide question

[Warnberg]

I have a question, I have been digging around looking at this bulb nipple position on single ended bulbs (the little nipple on the inner tube) and some say to run them nipple up, so say nipple down (the way I have them now) so say 3 to 9 o'clock position some say 1 o'clock position. Here is my question, currently mine are all facing downward, but the tank looks a little yellow to me, should I rotate the bulb so the nipple is in a different position? What is recommended and what does everyone else do?

Any thoughts?

Dave

[wwest]

I havnt heard about the nipple position, i am interested in hearing about that.

What is the K rating and the manufacturer of the bulb?

Depending on the brand and the rating some will have more of a yellow tent to them.

[Warnberg]

I am running 250 watt XM10k's

[Rob]

actually its really doesnt matter much at all.
here is more info for ya
Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Product Review: Nipple Nonsense

[Warnberg]

Rob, thanks for the info. I have read both articls on this and am still not sure. I am one of those reefers that reads most all info on a subject before asking questions, call me a techno reefer.....
Anyway was just curious as to everyones point of view.

[Rob]

maybe we can ask brian to pull out his PAR meeter and tell us if there is a PAR difference with his equipment

[BrianPlankis]

Originally Posted by Rob

maybe we can ask brian to pull out his PAR meeter and tell us if there is a PAR difference with his equipment

Way ahead of your Rob

I already did this test on my XM bulbs. You can see the results of my test in my article:

Fun Times with a Quantum Meter, Part I: A Short Term Study of Various Practices' Effects on PAR Values

Photos 8 and 9 and related discussion.

Unfortunately my bulb orientation doesn't mean much to other bulbs. From everything I read it doesn't matter with some bulbs, and with the XM bulbs it has a very large effect.

Without a PAR meter it is hard to tell, especially if the difference is small. In my case it was very large, I could even see with my eyes it was brighter, but of course that is VERY bad for your eyes to look at it.

I always recommend a PAR meter so you can keep track of your lighting. If you can't afford one and you have a local reef club, maybe the reef club could purchase one to share amongst members.

Brian

[Rob]

thanks Brian, i forgot you had that test in your article..

so basically, it depends on the bulb, and you only tested the XM bulbs, is that correct?

[BrianPlankis]

Originally Posted by Rob

thanks Brian, i forgot you had that test in your article..

so basically, it depends on the bulb, and you only tested the XM bulbs, is that correct?

Yep that is correct Rob.

PAR METER

Brian

[Warnberg]

Interesting..... thanks all