Grandma's lamp needs some love

[Stephanie]

My grandmother gave me this lamp when I was really young, and due to...extreme differences in opinion we haven't spoken since I was 5 so I don't know much about it. It's a century (with brassy looking metal) with red lava and clear liquid. I've tried to read all of the threads under problems and discussions, but I started to get a headache, sorry if this is a repeat. In any case, the liquid is down about 2 1/2" from the cap and the lava sort of resembles the surface of mars (looks kind of wrinkly with the crevices a slightly lighter shade or red). I essentially have two questions, can I run it with the liquid a bit low to see if the rest of it works, or do I need to replace the liquid first. Second to replace the liquid, should I buy another globe (what kind) or try to add the water mix to it.I don't have any pictures, but it looks just like the "classic Century lava lamp" listed on the history page except the liquid in mine is clear. Thanks for any help you can give.

[Astrobaby]

Hi Stephanie - i'd wouldn't add any water to the contents of the bottle as that will permanently destroy the lamp, there is no harm with running the lamp a bit low - if you really are unhappy with the gap and if the lava doesn't flow well - try looking for spares on ebay, you might find a century in bad condition but with an excellent bottle going for very cheap.

peace,
ant.

[Stephanie]

Thanks, I'll probably go hit some flea markets and the like soon and see what I can find then.

[Jerome Dopson]

I'm sure your lamp is in good hands now. As ant says, there are spares to be picked up which will fit your old Century easily. There are plenty of good guys here to give sound advice about all things lava lamping and collecting etc..

Jerome

[Astrobaby]

I'd personally run it even if it is a bit low - what ever you do - just make sure you don't top it up with water, as it will ruin the fluid inside and you can't reverse that.

peace - 'ant.