Halcyon 18W light head

[wolfpack]

ok so I bought that beast on ebay (see below post) for the light head where we are going to make our own version of the smaller halcyon canister.

My question is I really did not look at the halcyon 18 w light head before I purchase it . I noticed that the test tube covering the light itself looks pretty fragile and is not covered, its just out in the open. I do a lot of lobster dives close to the rocks, and I am concerned that I will smack this testube on a rock and break it, anyone else have these concerns? Is this thing as fragile as I think it is? Will the light cannon take more abuse? Does an exposed test tube reaaally protect the light?

Help.

 

[JeffAustin]

It's an awesome light, but it does not like being wacked on the rocks. If you think your diving will entail hitting the light on rocks as you are being moved about by surge I would get something else. The test tube cost approx.$20, the replacement HID bulb is close to $200; one bad hit on the rocks can cost you big bucks. IMO, the test tube is the weakest part of the 18watt HID, but then, in all fairness, I have heard horror stories about bulbs in all kinds of lights. You should treat the head as if it is fragile(it is!)

Here's something to try; the HID head doesn't get real hot, so find a crystal clear plastic jar with an inside diameter of 3" , cut it down so you have about a 1" side and the bottom, the bottom of the jar will be the "lens cover". Slide it over the end of the reflector, figure out a way to attach it so it will stay put. Make sure water can get into the reflector area around the test tube. I looked in my shop and found a jar that will work. It might screw up the light pattern a little bit, but it might be a worthwhile trade off.