Just How Long Can I Reasonably Expect A Light On An Aquarium To Last?

[Maroonostrich]

Ok, my tank, bought complete, is about 2 years old.

roughly 7 months into purchase and after being on for about 7 hours daily, the aquarium light began to flicker and then died.

Thanks to my nice supplier (not the manufacturer of the tank) I received a replacement light towards the end of January. Last month, after even less usage- around 4 hours per night, only low light level plants were kept- the same problem occurred. The light began to flicker, and finally died out.

I have just contacted my supplier to explain what has happened. The tank had completely moved locations when the new light was installed so I don't think I can blame electrics. But am I expecting too much? Surely a light, bought with a tank, should survive at least a year?

I have now asked for the manufacturers details so I can write a strongly worded letter, but of course, I shall not proceed if you all feel I am mistaken!

Thanks for listening!

 

[CFC]

Would it happen to be a Juwel tank?

 

[cs091]

Light in my brand new jewel tank lasted less than 3 months!

I've changed brand now!

CS

 

[annka5]

Light in my juwel tank lasted around 13 months, which I reckon is about what you'd expect, with 12+ hours a day, every day.
I think the number of times you switch the light on and off hugely affects the life of the bulb, too - it does in normal (ie non aquarium) tube lights.
Have you tried replacing the ballasts - these should really be replaced with the tube (regardless of brand).
IMO I'd reckon on light output starting to decrease after around 8 months and to cut altogether after about 12.

 

[Maroonostrich]

Would it happen to be a Juwel tank?

Oooh, yes, it's a Juwel tank! Is this normal for them?!

BTW, In both cases I have noticed that the edges of the light have gone cloudy? Sorta blackened like something might have burned out?
I also have to say that the old routine was; I'd come home after work in the afternoon about 2pm, light would go on after my lunch until my bedtime, 9-10 pm.
Now the tanks downstairs. My dad comes home about 4pm, put on and kept the light on until he went to bed around 8pm.
It looks sorta drab without the light.. and my dad wants one back again!

 

[andyt_uk]

i have one of my original juwel bulbs still in use at 3 yrs old
i have actually had 2 arcadia blue actinic bulbs in that time
and have just taken the blue one out for another white one and the original warm white still works, probably much dimmer than it used to be, but still works

 

[CFC]

So is the tube that has failed or the actual lighting bar that fits across the tank? Which Juwel model is it?

The Juwel light bars on the Rio, Vision and Trigon models are infamous for failing, usually just after the guarentee has run out. The cause of the problem seems to be that condensation builds up inside the sealed unit and shorts the electric ballasts, an extreemly bad design fault if ever i've seen one.
Expect to pay between £50 and £80 for a new lighting bar depending on which model you have.