Deep Blue 48" light fixture problem

[MadReefer]

This light has a terrible design. In order to change the bulbs you have to remove the legs to and then two other screws, one on each side. The glass cover should drop down on a hinge. I did all this and the cover won't move. I scratched the crap out of it trying to pry it open. This unit is junk and would not recommend it to anyone. I have emailed the company to try and get better instructions to remove the cover so I can swap out the bulbs. Not worth the $300 they are charging for it.

Just needed to vent as this is pissing me off that I spent $75 in bulbs and can't swap them out.

 

[The_Codfather]

What model is it?

 

[MadReefer]

I must say that the Customer Service is very responsive. They replied in less than 2 hours and told me to take all 4 screws out. I did this and the glass cover came right out. I tried to get the back screws out earlier but they would only go half way. I had to press gently on the glass cover to get the two screws out completely.

I stand by word very poorly designed.
Total of 12 screws removed to change bulbs is ludicrous.

 

[AJ1080]

Hey Mark,

Was just goign to tell ya that the instructions have the wrong screws circled. I have the same fixture and when I posted this I took mine apart to figure it out. Basically just take the stand off and then one of the 2 silver screws that are flush with the unit, not the ones recessed. Do this again on the other side making sure you remove the screw that matches the other side and the glass will swing right open.

Even though you already got your answer this may make it easier for next time.

Also when you put it back together you will have put a little pressure on it so that the screw lines up with the unit.

 

[MadReefer]

AJ,
I took out so many screws it was crazy. The back two screws were the problem as the glass would not swing down. No clue why the last two screws would not come out or why the glass would not swing open. This is my second issue with this fixture and will never buy it again. Deep Blue was very quick to reply and all but they still have quality issues to me. By the way I do work in quality assurance. I may leave the glass cover off completely now.

Mark

Edit: I did reply back to customer service and tell them I did get it open and that they had some serious design problems. Taking 12 screws off to replace bulbs is nuts, in my opinion.

 

[AJ1080]

I see where the problem was. Looking at the instructions you can see they made a design change and the fixture shown in the picture is different than ours. The last two screws wont come all the way out unless you put a little pressure on the glass. This is because the "pin" portion of the screw is still in the hinge on the glass which is trying to pop. With just a little pressure on the glass it came right out.

I wouldn't leave the glass off as your just opening it up to more potential problems. Just my opinion.

 

[jgraz]

I agree, leaving the glass off is going to lead to cooling issues with the fans not removing heat in the same manner. I have the same fixture on 24". I agree that it is a PIA to change bulbs. The legs are the biggest problem IMO. Your right poor designing but, I think the light is pretty darn good for the money.

 

[NikkiT]

+1 you should put the glass back on. If you do not, at best you will ruin the fixture, at worst, you may start a fire.

 

[MadReefer]

Customer Service reply:

Hello Mark,

We are afraid you misunderstood the question. The SolarXtreme lighting system launched in early 2010 and have since undergone numerous revisions to further improve the product. Among these was an improvement to the hinge assembly to prevent the lens from sagging on our 48” units and to increase compression of the moisture seal. The date of purchase was just a method of determining if your unit was manufactured prior to the lens revision.

Furthermore, access the lamp compartment to replace lamps or removal of the glass lens is a designed feature. Performing this function will not void warranty. For more information about our warranty process and for more details, please refer to your owner’s manual that came packaged with your unit.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us again.

Thank you for choosing Deep Blue Professional.
DBP Customer Service

 

[jgraz]

You could very well remove the glass. The fixture would still work. I run my current fixture without the glass and it woks fine. However, w/o the glass the bulbs would not get the proper cooling leading to a less efficient bulb. I am not home to confirm this but I believe the fans pull cool air in on one side and exhausts it on the other. Without the glass the fans will now just pull air from everywhere basically cutting flow. Yes it will be easier to change the bulbs but those bulbs are expensive and would need replacement much more often without proper cooling.

 

[MadReefer]

I will probably put the cover back once I make a final decision on what bulbs I want. Plus don't want salt creep on the bulbs.
Now that I know how to get the cover off should be easier next time. I still think it could have been designed better.