Metal Balls in UV Bulb

[SpyC]

I am replacing the uv bulb for my sterilizer with a 25w aqua ultraviolet bulb and noticed there are tiny metal beads in it. The bulb I am replacing does not have this. Is this normal?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I am replacing the uv bulb for my sterilizer with a 25w aqua ultraviolet bulb and noticed there are tiny metal beads in it. The bulb I am replacing does not have this. Is this normal?

When they go bad or get too hot, they produce these balls which looks like glass beads

 

[Mikeltee]

I always thought they were a component to light. I've gotten brand new bulbs with these beads but now that I think about it, more do form. I was pretty religious on onky getting a year out if them. I wasn't growing corals though...

 

[SpyC]

When they go bad or get too hot, they produce these balls which looks like glass beads

These aren't glass. Definitely tiny metal balls that look similar to what you'd see in a floating thermometer.

 

[vetteguy53081]

These aren't glass. Definitely tiny metal balls that look similar to what you'd see in a floating thermometer.

Yes- filaments

 

[SpyC]

Yes- filaments

Should I be concerned that there are a few rolling around? Throws me off that the old bulb doesn't have any.

 

[Ben.QLD2]

Some have small 'balls' of a metal alloy used to deactivate some gases that can be generated in the UV light tube.

 

[Ben.QLD2]

Google says it can also be a piece of metal, usually mercury, which helps to render the correct light spectrum emitted by the tube.

 

[Reefer Tom ATX]

I have a brand new Aqua 25W UV that has two of these tiny metal “beads” rolling around. My Google searches said they’re harmless and probably solder from the manufacturing. I’m not going to worry about it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have a brand new Aqua 25W UV that has two of these tiny metal “beads” rolling around. My Google searches said they’re harmless and probably solder from the manufacturing. I’m not going to worry about it.

I would not assume they are "harmless" since they are mostly or partly mercury, but if they stay inside the bulb they are fine.