Possible Design Flaw - Neptune Grow Light For Refugiums

PeterC99

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Bought this Neptune Grow light for my homemade egg crate Refugium. Six months later, the light no longer works.

The Neptune websites says, “The GRO is rated IP64 so that you can place it very close to the water surface for optimal light effectiveness and water splashes or salt spray will not affect it.” This turns out not to be turn. The orange gasket surrounding the light traps the moisture inside and the unit rusted out quickly. I believe this to be a design flaw.

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CoralNerd

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I'll have to keep an eye on mine. Wow, you really have it low though. I have mine at 3 3/4".
 

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PeterC99

PeterC99

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I'll have to keep an eye on mine. Wow, you really have it low though. I have mine at 3 3/4".
But “keeping it low” is what’s stated in the product’s literature and drew me to purchasing the light.
 

Roli's Reef Ranch

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Yet another over-priced piece of Neptune garbage... have plenty myself. Get this ACKE LED on Amazon for $25. It's waterproof too and better made IMO, saves a bunch of cash you should be using for corals... lol Been using mine for a year w/o any issues.
 

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Lavey29

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Sorry for your trouble. I was going to get the same Neptune light also.

How well does the egg crate work with your chaeto? Do pieces filter out of the opening into your sump?
 
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PeterC99

PeterC99

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Did you write to or call them? How did they react
I’m in the process of writing them (finding original receipt and checking warranty specifics). Thought I’d share my experience with this forum to see if anyone had a similar experience.
 
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PeterC99

PeterC99

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Sorry for your trouble. I was going to get the same Neptune light also.

How well does the egg crate work with your chaeto? Do pieces filter out of the opening into your sump?
Egg crate works very well. The chaeto is thickly woven together (even after harvesting) and stays in the egg crate and doesn’t mix into the sump.
 

CoralNerd

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I’m in the process of writing them (finding original receipt and checking warranty specifics). Thought I’d share my experience with this forum to see if anyone had a similar experience.
Let's know what Neptune says. Thanks for the post.
 

reefz

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I think I saw someone else had this happen. IMO neptune's light is hot garbage and something far cheaper works just as good if not better. I have this fuge light and its waterproof. It grows chaeto sooo fast.
 

jhuntstl

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Maybe we can get two certain individuals in here to endlessly argue the quality of Neptune lights. ;)

I'm sure Neptune will replace your light, but I agree it looks like a design flaw. That or you had a bad gasket out of the factory.
 
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PeterC99

PeterC99

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Maybe we can get two certain individuals in here to endlessly argue the quality of Neptune lights. ;)

I'm sure Neptune will replace your light, but I agree it looks like a design flaw. That or you had a bad gasket out of the factory.
The gasket is not sealed which surprises me. It does fit tightly but do not don’t think it can keep out the moisture in a high humid place like a sump.
 

jhuntstl

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The gasket is not sealed which surprises me. It does fit tightly but do not don’t think it can keep out the moisture in a high humid place like a sump.
When/if you get a replacement, maybe add some silicone grease to the gasket? Vaseline could work too. Pretty ridiculous to have to do that, but I'm guessing you don't want to fork out the cash for a new light.
 

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