Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

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SafetyKey
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2023 11:52 am

Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by SafetyKey »

My aquarium lighting unit just failed, it's a sealed unit from AquaIllumination. The LEDs are completely dead, no flickering or anything. Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm worried about my corals if I can't get it fixed soon.
stormyok
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:47 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by stormyok »

That's rough, dude. I had a similar issue with my Fluval light last year. You might wanna check if the power supply's still good. Sometimes it's just a bad connection or a blown fuse. What model is it exactly?
bronto
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:28 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by bronto »

Sealed units are tricky because they're not meant to be user-serviceable. If it's under warranty, contact AquaIllumination immediately. Otherwise, you might need a replacement. How long have you had the unit?
Humblevibe
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:18 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by Humblevibe »

Man, that sucks. I've got no clue about fixing lights, but maybe someone local can help? Or just grab a cheap temporary light until you sort it out. Don't wanna stress your corals too much.
SafetyKey
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2023 11:52 am

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by SafetyKey »

stormyok wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:14 pm That's rough, dude. I had a similar issue with my Fluval light last year. You might wanna check if the power supply's still good. Sometimes it's just a bad connection or a blown fuse. What model is it exactly?
It's the AquaIllumination Hydra 26 HD. I checked the power supply, seems fine. No visible damage or loose wires.
stormyok
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:47 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by stormyok »

SafetyKey wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 11:12 pm
stormyok wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:14 pm That's rough, dude. I had a similar issue with my Fluval light last year. You might wanna check if the power supply's still good. Sometimes it's just a bad connection or a blown fuse. What model is it exactly?
It's the AquaIllumination Hydra 26 HD. I checked the power supply, seems fine. No visible damage or loose wires.
Yeah, if the power supply's good, it's probably the LEDs themselves. Those Hydras are solid but not immune to failure. You could try reaching out to AI support, they're usually pretty responsive.
bronto
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:28 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by bronto »

If it's out of warranty, you might consider upgrading to a newer model. The Hydra 32 has better reliability and features. How's your tank coping with the lack of light so far?
Humblevibe
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:18 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by Humblevibe »

I'd be freaking out if my light died. You got any backup plan? Even a desk lamp with a decent bulb might help for a day or two.
stormyok
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:47 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by stormyok »

Humblevibe wrote: Mon Jun 23, 2025 12:29 am I'd be freaking out if my light died. You got any backup plan? Even a desk lamp with a decent bulb might help for a day or two.
Seriously, a cheap LED clamp light from the hardware store can work in a pinch. Just make sure it's not too intense for your corals.
bronto
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:28 pm

Re: Lighting unit failure: Sealed unit help

Post by bronto »

Temporary solutions are fine, but don't rely on them long-term. Corals need consistent lighting to avoid stress. Have you noticed any changes in their behavior since the light failed?
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