AI Prime Lens Melted

Puggles123654 · Jan 9, 2023

I purchased this AI prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED (Black) in 2021 in October and up until recently, I had spotted that the lens has been burnt/melted. I have read up that it is a pretty common issue, but has anyone had experience and or can lend any advice as to what I can do? Any advice is appreciated!

LouisianaReef · Jan 9, 2023

Replacement lenses are pretty cheap from AI. Just make sure that the fan is running, and you could maybe turn down the light a little to help in the future.

Rennurdoar · Jan 9, 2023

Puggles123654 said:
I purchased this AI prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED (Black) in 2021 in October and up until recently, I had spotted that the lens has been burnt/melted. I have read up that it is a pretty common issue, but has anyone had experience and or can lend any advice as to what I can do? Any advice is appreciated!

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I bought a pair of used 16HDs that had the lenses burnt. Called AI and spoke with a rep. Told them i just picked up a couple of prime 16hds and the lenses were burnt. They sent me two lenses for free, all I had to do was send pictures of the lenses and the serial numbers on the units. Had the new lenses by the end of the week! Great customer service imo, call em and they will probably send you a new one

piranhaman00 · Jan 9, 2023

Pretty common issue,

Puggles123654 · Jan 9, 2023

Rennurdoar said:
I bought a pair of used 16HDs that had the lenses burnt. Called AI and spoke with a rep. Told them i just picked up a couple of prime 16hds and the lenses were burnt. They sent me two lenses for free, all I had to do was send pictures of the lenses and the serial numbers on the units. Had the new lenses by the end of the week! Great customer service imo, call em and they will probably send you a new one

Might sound like a dumb question. But is the serial number located on the sticker of the Fixture or is it located on the box?

Rennurdoar · Jan 9, 2023

Puggles123654 said:
Might sound like a dumb question. But is the serial number located on the sticker of the Fixture or is it located on the box?

Not at all dumb, it's on the sticker on the light or at least mine were. Hopefully they can get you taken care of!

Duffer · Jan 9, 2023

and it's a pretty quick fix...5 minutes at the most..

olonmv · Jan 9, 2023

2 of the LED chips look just as bad as the lense.

Puggles123654 · Jan 10, 2023

olonmv said:
2 of the LED chips look just as bad as the lense.

I had noticed that, hopefully if the chip itself is burnt/melted. Its something that could easily be fixed.... Hopefully.

Puggles123654 · Jan 10, 2023

Rennurdoar said:
Not at all dumb, it's on the sticker on the light or at least mine were. Hopefully they can get you taken care of!

Thank you, I found it on the light. I also found that you could find the serial number through the AI app too.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 10, 2023

Puggles123654 said:
I purchased this AI prime 16 HD Reef Aquarium LED (Black) in 2021 in October and up until recently, I had spotted that the lens has been burnt/melted. I have read up that it is a pretty common issue, but has anyone had experience and or can lend any advice as to what I can do? Any advice is appreciated!

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Im seeing this more frequently and may be due too too close to tank/glass

Puggles123654 · Jan 10, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
Im seeing this more frequently and may be due too too close to tank/glass

The distance from the light - till it reaches the waterline is 9 1/2 inches. Is that too close to the tank?

TheStrangler · Jan 10, 2023

I have a 32 HD that had the same thing happen to it at 14 inches (or 13 and change as that's the highest I could get the mount) and it still melted the lenses. If you're going to order some replacement lenses, I'd say grab a couple extra because the lenses are cheap but the shipping is crazy high. My two lenses were a couple bucks plus $20 for shipping. They arrived loose in a 1 oz 3x3x3 inch cardboard box with standard shipping service (cost them about $4 to ship).

It is an easy fix, but I'd just expect it to be a routine replacement part. Out of pettiness I'll never buy another one of their lights, but I still use that 32HD on my QT tank.