AquaMedic Lights

[Hedonist]

I am having an issue with my lights and wonder if anyone else has...?

AM has told me to use only AB and I thinK Ushio lights as my ballast will burn out cheaper lights quicker.... I bought 3 replacement AB lights, only to have the plastic looking piece on the side of the metal tab that goes into the bulb-holder break off when I tried to insert the bulb. The bulb would not stay in place. I thought it was due to the fact the piece broke off, so I inserted another, only to have it fall out on the same end. I called AM and they suggested a spring had sprung...When I removed it to confirm the spring had sprung, the side plastic looking piece broke off (this now makes 2 brand new bulbs that may not be any good and are not returnable or under warrantee- does not make me very happy)

I am now wondering if the sprung spring is why my light failed to begin with. I assumed the bulb failed as the unit is fairly new and has had only one set of lights in them.

I wonder two things:

Anyone else have issues with the unit not holding a bulb in place?

Anyone else have problems with the side tabs (not the smaller top tab) breaking off when trying to insert, or remove a bulb?

Denise

 

[Ewan]

They must be the 150's huh? I've got a 150w Giesemann fixture, and a 250w Aquamedic, and the lamp holders for the 250w bulb is a different animal altogether...

Which leads me to the installation of the 150w bulb... there's only a metal clip in my Giesemann, with the spring in behind. I'm on my 5th bulb in that fixture, and there's been no problems.

I can certainly sympathize though. I asked for a new tensioner a few years back for my AB pendant, and I was told they would send one right out. After trying a few times over the course of 6 months, I just gave up. I wish I had bought mine at a retailer like PA that would stand behind their products... but I didn't.

In my Aquamedic fixture I've used AB, Ushio, Phoenix, and Hamilton bulbs with no problems. I'm back to AB lamps for good now. For the 150w, I've only used Ushio, AB and Giesemann. I tried a coralvue, but I received a bad bulb. It fired, but it was a greenish-yellow.

Get after them! IIRC, you've had those fixtures for a year or less. Hopefully you'll find someone there who gives a damn about customer service.

-Rob

 

[ME2003]

I've used Coralvue, AB and Giesemann 150 mh in my light with no
issues. I like the Giesemanns. I started with the Coralvue changed
to a AB 20k and the changed to a Giesemann marine. The 150
connector is definitely different from the 250.
I think if you move the bulb left to right slightly a couple of times
before removing helps with the springs.

 

[jessiesgrrl]

I got these second hand from Kevinnap, and have had no problem with htem as of now. I would be very interested in how they deal with you... I have another tank I am thinking about converting into a reef as well from a FOWLR if I keep it. My choice of lights would hinge most definately on customer service for a purchase that large.

http://www.hellolights.com/ocli25hqiame.html

I agree that as far as I have seen from my friends, Premium Aquatics has the best customer service hands down.


Laurie

 

[Hedonist]

They are 250w pendants... Jason at AM has been very helpful.. suggested using a heat resistant lubricant found at HomeDepot-lithium based I think... should help with installation of the bulb...... also offered to replace the bulbs at cost, around $58 plus shipping.... That kinda sucks as far as I am concerned.. He also stated- could have just been saying it to appease me- that they do not agree with the policy on the AB bulbs but it out of their hands... they 'hope to change it'

Warrantee is only for a year, I've had the fixtures for about 1.5 yr -go figure....the springs are only $15 a pc, I just hope not to keep replacing them every year...

I just wonder why the pcs on the ends of the bulbs break so easily, I had no problems the first time installing them. Also wonder if I could superglue the pc back on. If the spring is functional, I would guess that once the bulb is in place, it will stay there, even if the super glue fails due to the heat???

denise

 

[Oskie]

Denise,
Try to find some "DeoxIT" this stuff is excellent as a contact cleaner and lubricant. It will easily handle the harshness of a marine enviroment like our tanks produce with salt creep and all. It's probably easiest to buy on-line. Here's a link to the manufacturer:

DeoxIT

Hope this helps. OBTW, be sure to unplug the fixture before ANY spraying with this or any other cleaner!

Steve

 

[jessiesgrrl]

Wow Denise, sorry to hear that. I was hoping for better frankly.

Thanks for letting us know,
Laurie

 

[Hedonist]

AMN update

AMN update

My problems may be resolved...

I knew there was a trick to putting int he bulbs but could not remember what it was... someone on RC reminded me.... place a small nail into the slot to open up the spring, insert the bulb and remove the nail..... it is possible the lubricant will work as well...

As for the busted pcs on the side of the bulb... I super glued it back on... I figured once the bulb is in place, all is good, .... so far so good... I will hopefully salvage my new bulbs

I also have designated Oct to be my bulb replacement month..... it might be easier for me to remember, when I set the clock back and change the smoke alarm battery, lights are to be done as well....

HTH somebody else
denise