Help diagnose why my Coralife Aqualight is dead

kickin_81

kickin_81

AC Members
Jan 24, 2008
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St. Paul, MN
Hello & Help! I bought two Coralife T-5 Aqualights a couple of months ago for my planted 40 Breeder tank and noticed that one of them is not working. These are the dual lamp models for planted aquariums. I have been leaving my lights on 10 hours everyday and they sit about 1.5" above the water surface if it helps at all to diagnose my problem.

With it plugged in and with the ON switch clicked, the lamps don't light up no matter how long I keep it clicked in that position. In exactly 2 seconds after I click it OFF, the lamps flicks on very brightly and then dies a split second later. What does this mean? Lamps burnt out? Ballast dead from moisture buildup? Should I try to open it up?

Any help is appreciated.
 
Sounds like it may be a ballast issue but I'd check the switch, myself. I'd call the company you bought them from, or the manufacturer and see what they may be able to do for you.
 
Do the lights always flicker or when you hit the switch or is it more random? Id open it up check all the connections.

I recently bought a 216watt t-5 fixture where only half would light up turned out a wire fell out of the splice cap they wire these things real cheap from the factory
 
Sorry for not responding sooner. I don't think the vendor carries a contract that extends their product warranty over 30 days and the manufacturer doesn't have a contact number/email.

The lights only flick once after I click the switch to OFF. I haven't opened it up but I will just to see if anything looks burnt or loose.

thanks!
 
Quick update: I opened it up and could not discover any method to check the ballast or the switch without cutting wires. The compact design of the Coralife fixture prevents tampering to the novice fish pet owner so I've tossed it and will buy another in the future.
 
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