Lights Started Flickering

[matchstickman47]

the lights started flikering in my tetra aqua art 60 litre aquarium, it happened before and i needed to replace the top. I dont want to have to do that again, it cant be the bulb because wouldnt it turn off alltogether.
it happened after a water change i raised the level slightly and i think some evaporated and got into the hood it doesnt look water tight so im pretty sure this is what happened.

should i try replacing the bulb?
this happened last time, its probably guna happen again, should i try to watertight it with tape?
would it be simpler to replace the circuit board?
ANy other suggestions are welcome!
thanks
ps lights are not plugged in at the moment, i hope the circuit dries off!

 

[chr15_8]

the lights started flikering in my tetra aqua art 60 litre aquarium, it happened before and i needed to replace the top. I dont want to have to do that again, it cant be the bulb because wouldnt it turn off alltogether.
it happened after a water change i raised the level slightly and i think some evaporated and got into the hood it doesnt look water tight so im pretty sure this is what happened.

should i try replacing the bulb?
this happened last time, its probably guna happen again, should i try to watertight it with tape?
would it be simpler to replace the circuit board?
ANy other suggestions are welcome!
thanks
ps lights are not plugged in at the moment, i hope the circuit dries off!

how old is the lamp and starter?

if it was moisture it wouldnt work/go pop.
its either the ballast, the tube or the starter.

 

[matchstickman47]

it was replaced after the old one 'poped' about 4 months ago

what are starters, ballasts and tubes

how easily repaired?

 

[chr15_8]

it was replaced after the old one 'poped' about 4 months ago

what are starters, ballasts and tubes

how easily repaired?

the tubes are the lamps/bulbs that emit the light.

starters a about 1 1/2 inch long and circular.

Ballast is the internal electrics. which will require a few cables to be replaced.


you got a picture of the complete light? if so i will show you where the starter is. i have got/used on of these units and it might not have a starter.

before you buy a new unit change the lamp/bulb/tube.

 

[MrG09]

it was replaced after the old one 'poped' about 4 months ago

what are starters, ballasts and tubes

how easily repaired?

if it was replaced only 4months ago and it turns out to not be the bulb or starter take it back to where you got it from as it should be guarenteed

 

[Enjo]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.
Unfortunatley these tanks are really prone to light failures, as said above I would attempt to bring it back if it is still under warranty, I know where I used to work I was able to simply swap lids over for customers who brought them back. I would ring the shop you got it from to see what they can do for you.
Other wise you may want to look at replacing the whole light kit, best bet for that would probably the smaller arcadia tubes. Good luck!

 

[matchstickman47]

to answer any questions..
they will take it back / exchange the hood ( this is what i had to do last time )
the bulbs will only work if they are tetra ( forces you to buy)
i dont see anyting like a starter or balast just a big plastic bit with a light tube covered with a gaurd


i think i will go with tryingg to replace the tube.
only about 10 quid,
err... if it isnt that how easy is it guna be replacin the ballast or starter? bit worried i will need some knowledge on circuits.

 

[chr15_8]

you wont see the ballast as its in the plastic box.

it probably dont have a starter if its farily new.

i wouldnt bother changing the ballast if i was you. 1)No offence meant but if you dont know what your doing i wouldnt touch it.
2) If you have only had it for 4 months take it back and get a new one.

 

[matchstickman47]

well its all good n sorted now.....feel a bit dumb...it was just the tubes but now im feeling good,
the funny thing was when the lights went my plecs got into the filter and bred for the first time.. lol found about 3 little eggs but most were destroyed due to the inapropriate location 1

well its all good n sorted now.....feel a bit dumb...it was just the tubes but now im feeling good,
the funny thing was when the lights went my plecs got into the filter and bred for the first time.. lol found about 3 little eggs but most were destroyed due to the inapropriate location 1