Aquael Brillux 72 Litre

[Athena]

I recently bought the Brillux as a secondary back-up tank - it's one of those that came with everything - pump, heater, 2xlights, plant food, fish food etc.

Anyway, my query is regarding the hood that contains the lighting. I set the tank up and had the pump and air stone running but didn't bother with lights as there was nothing in tank apart from ornaments. The other night I lifted up the hood to readjust the thermostat and was shocked to see water literally dripping off the lights - the whole inside of the hood was covered in water droplets, all over the lighting/wires etc.

Well, suffice to say I am more than a bit worried. Surely this can't be right? I'm wondering if the manufacturers forgot to add a condensation tray or covering for the lights at the factory.

Thought I would ask on here to see if anyone has the same tank and can tell me what the inside of their tank hood looks like.

No way will I be testing out the lighting with it like that! Unless, of course, someone can confirm that it's meant to be that way and perfectly safe. I rang the shop where I'd bought it and she said she wasn't sure if that's how it was meant to be but that she'd sold quite a few and hadn't had any complaints before. I think I might have to go back and insist that she ring the manufacturer or her supplier.

Regards - Athena

 

[rabbut]

Do you know if there are waterproof end caps on the unit? If so, the water is fine. If the caps don't have waterproof end caps, you will have an issue

How are you setting up the tank? If you are fishless cycling with bottled ammonia, and have boosted the temperature above normal, then the ammount of condensation in the hood will increase due to increased water evaporation in the tank.

If you aren't fishless cycling, are you tank cloning? Shops recomend adding a few hardy fish after a short ammount of time, and this will usualy lead to their death, though they don't usualy tell you that There are more humane ways of setting up a tank than adding a few hardy fish

All the best
Rabbut

 

[Athena]

Thanks, Rabbut. I have no idea if the end caps are waterproof - to me they just look like normal caps that you insert the striplight into, twist until it clicks into locked position.

I've been doing a fishless cycle for 2 weeks. The temp is kept just below 80 degrees. I have just put one Guppy in there - mainly because in the larger tank he was getting picked on by the rainbow shark (who has just started to throw his weight around now that he's realised he's grown a bit!) and I thought he'd have a better chance on his own in the new tank than if I moved him into the small tank with my male Betta. The guppy is doing fine - just a bit lonely I think. Will give it another week and more tests before I gradually add some friends for him.

The first time I set up a tank I rushed it - exactly two weeks for cycling, then I added several fish all on the same day (2 clown loaches, 2 sharks, 4 guppies) - ended up with Ich in the tank - so it caused more problems and more expense to put right, plus both loaches died. So I'm treading carefully this time.

I've arranged to see the aquarist tomorrow so that she can call the supplier of the tank whilst I am there and then I can talk to them myself, if necessary.

Thanks again - Athena

 

[rabbut]

You may well have an issue with water-proof ness. You need a cover between the water line and the light.

Leaving the tank for two weeks is not fishless cycling. You need an ammonia source to start a cycle.

All the best
Rabbut

 

[donkey]

Hi
i have the same tank Athena and i never got a cover with mine. to be honest i don't think its needed my tank has been running 3 or 4 months now with no problems

 

[Wolfenrook]

If the light fitting is IP67 (as per new european standards) then the water isn't a problem as IP67 units are completely water proof.

Ade

 

[donkey]

The fittings are IP67