Is My Light Faulty?

[msasa19]

my light bulb blew in my tank 2 weeks ago, so after a long wait i finally got my new one, exactly the same as the previous, a Natural Daylight Lamp Arcadia-Classica18W - 600mm / 24IN. it finally arrived 2 days ago after the terrible weather and i put it in straight away, it was bright, which i liked and was the reason i chose the same one that came with my tank. its on a timer. so i came home yesterday afternoon to find it has gone really dim and isnt really very bight anymore, i have attached a before and after pic, do you think i should send it back? i have done everything i can think of to get it to work properly but nothing works

 
The day the light came:

 
 
 
Today:

 
 
harder to see in the pictures but in person the difference is huge!

 

[zoeya]

Did you touch the bulb with your hands? If so, then you should never touch a bulb with your hands, as grease from your hands can blow your bulbs. I have had 3-4 replacement bulbs since i have had fish. When i used a piece of toilet tissue to put my bulbs in they have never blown since (touch wood). Hope that helps!

 

[coolie]

I'm thinking something as over heated in the controller \ starter unit, which is at fault as it's clearly not a blown bulb? What do you reckon?

 

[msasa19]

I have another starter unit, should I try that? The last bulb I had was fine and its exactly the same :s

 

[coolie]

I would definately try it as it will illiminate the illumination problem.

 

[msasa19]

well it made no differance i did notice when i was moving it, something is moving inside, is that normal, when i unpacked it i noticed it but it worked so i didnt take much notice :\

 

[jack1]

definately can see the difference - must be faulty  - I'd replace it or contact the place you bought it to see if you can get a new one

 

[msasa19]

great, going to have to send it back, really dont know if it will be worth my while with the price its going to cost me to return it

 

[msasa19]

have emailed where i got it from , it has gotten worse, dont really know why i have it on, you cant even tell its on now! hopefully i can get a refund and buy one locally to avoid this problem!! easier to just pay extra!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Personally, I wouldn't run the light.  Its probably drawing far more power than necessary to give off that tiny bit of light.  Let the tank sit dark until you get a new light.  The fish won't mind.  And even the plants will be fine for a few days...

 

[msasa19]

sending it back tomorrow for a refund, will teach me to buy things like that online!