Bulb position?

[Henry]

I was wondering if the MH bulbs we use for our tanks are specifically designed to be used in a horizontal position or if they would work better in a vertical position like some that are used as grow lights. The reason I ask, is that info on other sites seems to indicate we could get more light into the tank with a vertical bulb and reflector than with horizontal placement.

I'll try to find that info again. I was up late doing some reading.

[brewercm]

I know that when some bulbs are sold they are sold specifically as vertical or horizontal.

[brewercm]

Now I'm confused on the question, aren't there some bulbs that are made to be hung vertical. I was thinking Ushios had one designed that way.

[subber]

Some MH bulbs are designed to be vertical and using them in the horizontal position will not only shorten their life but could cause an accident that you don't really need, The bulbs designed for horizontal are not designed for the heat of a vertical use on certain parts of the bulb, and the light emission isn't the same. Go by what the manufacturer says and you'll be alright.

[hammondegge]

i have had one xm operating horizontally and one vertical for 4months. both SE. i havnt noticed any difference .

[alton]

Lamps marked BU are base up, HOR are horizontal, and lamps marked U are universal. MH lamps are rated for 10,000 to 20,000 hrs lamps life. In the aquarium trade they are discarded after 4,000. So if you hang your lamp in the wrong position it would cut the lamp life short but your discarding it before the 10,000 to 20,000 hrs it is expected to burn anyway. As far as color in the comercial side when a lamp company sets up to run 41 k lamps, the first lamps will have a blue tint or bright white and last of the run before they retool will be more yellow. Next time your in a gym look up and you will see what I am talking about. I wish the industry would do a better job of keeping lamps as they are made in the same order.