XM Metal Halide bulb question

[Abissus]

I read on the "Yellow XM" thread that I am suppose to orient the bulb such that the nipple is pointing upward. I am wondering is it ok do to that even if it means I have to loosen the bulb? Right now it is snug in the socket and of course the nipple is pointing down Or should I try to rotate the socket (I did not try, not sure if it is possible.

Also I got a new XM 10k SE bulb, and I am wondering what color should my tank look like with only the XM bulb. It looks a little yellowish to me but maybe because it is brand new and has not burn in yet. This is my first experience with MH bulb and I want to make sure I don't have the yellowing problem.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Elmo18]

I would loosen it and point the nipple up. The bulb will not fall out. This will prevent color shift due to gases trapped inside.

IT will burn in to a nice crisp white color.

- Elmo

 

[Abissus]

Thanks! I re-orient the bulb this morning and now it is nice and white.

 

[Scooterman]

yea, the base has a spring loaded type of clip that makes good contact with the lamp. You can try and turn the base but don't force it or overly turn it, the nipple doesn't have to be completely up.

 

[reefsreef]

what do you mean by the nipple, the flat part on the end of the bulb. So it would snap in if it where a DE bulb

 

[Abissus]

I looked on the RC board. I think it said for a SE bulb, looking at the inside "packet" there's one side with a little snub sticking out and that should be pointing upward. So that's my understanding. I do not know how it apply to DE bulbs.

 

[dgasmd]

When I spoke with XM about the bulbs I got being yellow, they told me the nipple orientation has nothing to do whatsoever with the color or performance of the bulb. They said I could orient the bulb in any which way I wanted and it should light up just the same.