Coralife MH bulb quality

b_james · #1 03-13-2006, 05:48 PM

I have the Aqualite Pro with 2 150HQI 10000K lights that have only been running for a little over a month. I just had one of the bulbs replaced under warranty because one of the bulbs were causing the transformer that is connected to the socket give off a buzzing sound. Well I replaced the bulb on Sunday and noticed a huge difference between the existing bulb and the new one. The old bulb (with only about 150 hours of use) was noticeably yellower then the new bulb. Is it normal for a bulb to show a noticable spectrum change in as little as a month? Or do the Coralife bulbs just suck?

Also When running the MH alone - before I changed the buld, my tank always had a yellow tint. At first I thought I should increase my carbon.

Bob I · #2 03-13-2006, 05:55 PM

We might just be silly, but I have the Coralife Aqualight Pro with the single bulb. I noticed a similar drop in output, and yellowing after only a few months. I replaced the bulb with a Gieseman Megachrome 14500K bulb. I have found that bulb to be much more stable.

b_james · #3 03-13-2006, 06:05 PM

I guess thats probably the reason why they are so inexpensive... Just before I replace the one light I thought my water was yellowing bad - once I put the new bulb in, the color difference was like night and day. As far as Im concerned a color change that drastic and in such a short term should NOT be sold in the aquarium trade. Maybe this is one of the contributors to my hair algae

Bob I · #4 03-13-2006, 06:10 PM

There have been complaints about this manufacturer's bulbs in the past. These complaints included all types of bulbs. I guess to get a great fixture we have to put up with a lousy bulb. That increases the price of an already pricey fixture.

Reefhawk1 · #5 03-13-2006, 06:10 PM

When I installed my Coralife pendant over my tank it had a 10k bulb in it. The algae growth was insane so I purchased a 20k coralife bulb for it and haven't had any problems since

b_james · #6 03-13-2006, 06:27 PM

I gess I should look at upgrading my bulbs... Anyway I was looking for a way to justify changing to 14K or 20K

Poopy · #7 04-03-2006, 06:16 PM

I've been having trouble with mine as well, I have a 250w, after about a month of use the bulb burned out, I got a replacement, that lasted 2 weeks and it did the same thing. Now I have gotten a replacement ballast, as that was supposed to remedy the problem, but it didnt change anything. So I have been without MH for almost 3 weeks now.

b_james · #8 04-03-2006, 06:25 PM

It realy surprises me that companies can get away with selling IMO such inferior products

Poopy · #9 04-03-2006, 06:52 PM

I agree, the price sure wasnt inferior....but im not too impressed with coralifes service. Also the time its taking to figure out the problem, i waited 2weeks for this new ballast, and it didnt fix anything.

b_james · #10 04-03-2006, 08:05 PM

How did you or Coralife confirm the Ballast was defective? Just courious as I dont trust any of the components - also maybe it will give me a heads up on what to look for if I suspect a faulty ballast.