Routine water change, not so much !

[JoshsReef]

So my normal routine water change turned out to be five hours long today when i decided to replace my bulbs in my power compact fixture. For starter some how i crack the plastic covering that covers up the lights. Since I dont cover my tank, and salt seems to somehow get all over my fixture i decided it would prob be a very bad idea to leave the fixture open. I ran to lowes and picked up a sheet of plexi glass, had to cut it, however it did all work out and I have that piece replaced now. So then I decided to take out the bulbs, low and behold I bust two of the eight rubberbands that keep the bulbs in place. I set the fixture up, the bulbs are in place and it doesnt look as if they are going to fall out. Do I need to replace these rubberbands or will I be ok. If I need to replace them will just a regular rubberband do?

[Innovator]

What brand of fixture do you have? I've called Coralife before and they've sent me free bands; however, you can purchase bands for relatively little online or in a lfs. Call a few lfs to see what they have in stock

[Fluff]

Are these what you need?
Coralife Aqualight 4 High-Heat Silicon Retaining Bands (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Accessories > Endcaps > Power Compact )
I've ordered dry goods many times from marinedepot.com and have been super happy each time.

[JoshsReef]

I have a coralife fixture. Those are exactly the bands that I do need but I just cant see a reason to place an order for just that, and I just recieved a big order from an online dealer the otherday. I will check the lfs in a day or two, should I be ok without them for a while? If the lights are still in place without them - will they stay in place?

[Innovator]

They should stay in place as long as the clips are secure and snap in place until you can find replacement bands.

[SpeedEuphoria]

Plexiglass tends to discolor and become brittle over time. I'm not sure if that is the exact material that came on the fixture. Normally Lexan is a better choice b/c it does not do this. This is coming from an automotive background so not sure how it applies to aquariums. Except that I have read that plexiglass is normally a bad choice for a hood/cover because of what I mentioned and it can sag with weight.

[Kurt_Nelson]

Originally Posted by JoshsReef

I have a coralife fixture. Those are exactly the bands that I do need but I just cant see a reason to place an order for just that, and I just recieved a big order from an online dealer the otherday. I will check the lfs in a day or two, should I be ok without them for a while? If the lights are still in place without them - will they stay in place?

No worries... I have a coralife fixture with the same rubber bands. Ran it 6 months between bulb changes without them once as they ALL broke when I was replacing bulbs. The next time I bought replacement bulbs, I just bought new bands (+ extras!) too. The clips will hold just fine - but it IS nice to have that extra piece of mind.

[roka64]

When I got my lighting fixture, one of them was broke. I haven't replaced it in a year and it is still attached. I even bought the rubber bands from drsfosterandsmith.com, part number 53050.

[cmor1701d]

I did the same as Kurt. I now have a few packets in stock for when I do a change. Every time I order bulbs I order another kit just in case. You can probably run fine without it, but I agree on the extra insurance. Coralife wouldn't use them if they didn't think there was a possibility of needing them.
These are HIGH HEAT retaining bands. Rubberbands won't last more than a few hours, if teh even last that long.

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.