compact fluorescent from Coral life

**spangy** · 06-14-2009, 12:53 AM

I've been using Coral lifes compact fluorescent unit, Aqualight-Double Linear Strip Power Compact-12". Here's a link
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...powercompact12
I'm on my 3rd fixture and one of the ballasts has died again. I haven't even had it a year!
I'm not going to buy a new light fixture every year. I have a 15 gallon Hex with pretty good plant growth. I'm tending to think that Coral Life is junk. Any ideas on a good reasonably priced option for lighting would be appreciated.

**glarior** · 06-14-2009, 01:07 AM

Have you tried to contact the company and tell them what is going on? I have a 36" 96w pc by the same company and it has been working for years. Heck, I even dropped it and broke all the plastic stands off and it still works. I don't know of other brands. I have a coralife and some off brand for my 75g tank.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 06-14-2009, 01:15 AM

If they are dying inside a year, they are still under warranty. Coralife fixtures are anything but junk. You can also buy replacement ballasts for these fixtures rather then buying a new fixture as well. I'd contact them if I were you and see what they can do.

**Fishguy2727** · 06-14-2009, 02:39 AM

I think Coralife gets a bad rap from people who prefer super expensive units. That being said getting a Current light would not be a mistake. But if it is under warranty go that direction first.

**AABatteries** · 06-14-2009, 05:39 AM

I would definitely contact Coralife about it. Current lights are great for the moderate price.

**Drumachine09** · 06-14-2009, 06:04 AM

I've got a 96 watt 20" 50/50 quad bulb fixture and its been going strong for three years. I thought the ballast went out a week after I got it, but it turns out the bulb was horrible, so they overnighted me 2 free bulbs.

The ballasts are really easy to swap out if you know a little bit of electric stuff.

**spangy** · 06-14-2009, 04:34 PM

I've changed the starters and switched what would have been the bad ballast with one from a previous light that worked. All with no luck. I'll contact Coralife.
Thanks for the advice. We will see what happens.
Any other good compact fluorescent fixtures that don't break the bank?

**spangy** · 07-03-2009, 04:48 PM

Here is a follow up
It's been almost 3 weeks and I've sent 2 emails to Coralife and have not gotten any response. Not exactly great customer service. I'm going to try a similar product from Current.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 07-03-2009, 05:45 PM

Call them. You can't go complaining about customer service if you don't call them. When I had a problem with mine I got through the first time and my issue was resolved right away. Email is nice, but it's not the best way to contact a customer service department.

Call us from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (CST) at:
800.255.4527 or
414.421.9670