LED Issue/Question

[NeedBiggerTank]

My AquaticLife T5 HO has 4 lunar lights - each a 1w LED. Each 1w LED consists of 2 "bulbs". For about two weeks two of the LEDs have been flickering, now they have stopped and one bulb has gone out in each pair.

My tank is covered with a glass lid, and the AquaticLife fixture has a lense cover - so I don't think this is a moisture issue. Anyone else had this problem? I thought LEDs were supposed to last for years? Anybody know where to find replacement bulbs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jabberwock]

I am having the same problem. Have you resolved this issue yet?

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

It was suggested by the LFS where I purchased my fixtures, I call AqaticLife since my fixture isn't but 7 months old - he thought it might be a wiring issue. Alas, I have not yet done this - need to move this up my to-do list!

 

[NeveSSL]

If they're good LEDs and designed correctly and with quality components, they WILL last for years.

However, I doubt that was the case if they've blown out already.

Is it still under warranty?

Brandon

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Yes, it is still under warranty. Chris @ AC said they would probably send me a brand new fixture - says AquaticLife is a great company and really stand behind their products. I hope he is right!

 

[OcEaN-BluE]

Well i have had the same type issue with a different fixture. if you dont mind a lil DIY then i would suggest opening it up and checking the wiring. it is most likely that because like you said the bulbs last forever. That is of course if it is not under warranty and you can get a new one for free. the way it is going out and what you have described makes me think it is just that.

 

[NeveSSL]

That's good to hear.

I'd just contact them (or go through Chris, whichever is best) and get a replacement. If you open it up, you risk voiding your warranty. At the same time, if they want you to send it in before they'll replace it, your tank can't be without light, either!

Brandon

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

Update

Update

I got off the phone just a little while ago with a nice young man (boy, am I getting old! :lmao at AquaticLife. They are sending me 4 brand new LED modules for my fixture - FREE! I only needed 2, but he said they'd send me 4 anyway - that way I'll have spares if I need them. How cool is that?

BTW, I'll be adding another "maintenance" task to my monthly to-do list... removing the lens cover, removing the T-5 bulbs, carefully dusting/wiping the reflectors and bulbs, replacing the bulbs, carefully cleaning both sides of the lens cover, and replacing it. I think I need to dust/vacuum my house more often too! :eek1:

Just wanted to let you know - problem solved.

FYI for others w/ AquaticLife fixtures that have Moon Lights, they had a batch of them that had some faulty LED modules (they just need your serial number to tell if your fixture is one of them). If you have an AL fixture and are having similar issues, just give them a call (my light, by the way, was not part of that batch).

 

[Jabberwock]

Thanks for the info - I'll give them a call soon!

 

[Jabberwock]

Update - My S/N was within the bad batch of LEDs. I guess there was an issue with the resistor on each of the LED units. 4 updated units being shipped out soon (even though I only needed 3)! I had the fixture off the tank the other day for a bulb swap and it looks like the replacement process will be super easy, 2 minute fix.

Props to the Aquaticlife crew for standing behind their products and doing the right thing!

 

[NeedBiggerTank]

My replacement modules have already arrived!