Phoenix bulbs not making good contact with sockets

CJ · 10/29/2007, 05:12 PM

My new Phoenix bulbs which I really really like are giving me trouble staying lit. After eliminating ballast and socket problems, I became convinced that they were not making good contact with the sockets. I called Hellolights in the hopes of getting some answers and sure enough they had the info I needed. The Phoenix 150W DE bulb is shorter than the Ushio I was using by almost 1mm. That's a heck of a lot when you want good contact.

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem. I was attempting to use them on my 4 year old PFO Acrolight. Next time they go out I'm thinking of trying to screw the sockets a little closer. Don't know if it can be done without buying new brackets. Dan at Hellolight uses Phoenix with the bracket and sockets combination they sell and has no problem. As a last resort I'll have to buy those, but That would be $50.00 for two and I'm not looking forward to that extra bill.

Anyone have any idea? Thanks

oct2274 · 10/29/2007, 05:45 PM

i use them and i've never had any problems, sounds like maybe the reflectors you are using might need an adjustment. You might be able to move the sockets closer together, but i'm unsure. I've used both the ushio and phoenix 150DE bulbs and never had any problems in my reefoptix 3+ reflectors.

10/29/2007, 05:12 PM	#1
CJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Oley Valley, PA. Posts: 1,232	Phoenix bulbs not making good contact with sockets My new Phoenix bulbs which I really really like are giving me trouble staying lit. After eliminating ballast and socket problems, I became convinced that they were not making good contact with the sockets. I called Hellolights in the hopes of getting some answers and sure enough they had the info I needed. The Phoenix 150W DE bulb is shorter than the Ushio I was using by almost 1mm. That's a heck of a lot when you want good contact. Just wondering if anyone else had this problem. I was attempting to use them on my 4 year old PFO Acrolight. Next time they go out I'm thinking of trying to screw the sockets a little closer. Don't know if it can be done without buying new brackets. Dan at Hellolight uses Phoenix with the bracket and sockets combination they sell and has no problem. As a last resort I'll have to buy those, but That would be $50.00 for two and I'm not looking forward to that extra bill. Anyone have any idea? Thanks __________________ CJ Current Tank Info: 75 gallon acrylic with two 20 longs in line homes to RBTs and softies. Turboflotor skimmer, Dolphin circulation pump, two Vortex pumps, 3 MaxiJets on wavemaker, 2 are mods. mixed tank with clam, fish, shrimps and cleaner crew.

10/29/2007, 05:45 PM	#2
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	i use them and i've never had any problems, sounds like maybe the reflectors you are using might need an adjustment. You might be able to move the sockets closer together, but i'm unsure. I've used both the ushio and phoenix 150DE bulbs and never had any problems in my reefoptix 3+ reflectors.