U.V. sterilizer problem

[NJ Devils Fan]

I've had a custom sealife double helix 18watt u.v. sterilizer since january 2003. I ordered a new bulb for it january 2004. I opened up the sterilizer and changed the bulb, but when I plugged it back in, it did not go on. I didn't change anything, but it just wouldn't go back on. I changed the bulb back to the old one and it still wouldn't go on. I haven't used it since then, but I would like to start since I am really starting to get back into my fish. I tried again today with both bulbs and got nothing. I left it plugged in for about 10 minutes and nothing was getting warm or anything. Could it perhaps be the plug? I have no idea, but I wish I could use this $150 piece of equipment.

[Jericho]

I am sure there is a fuse somewhere, If you have any electrical knowledge then get a meter and start to test.

[beviking]

Did you try to re-seat the bulb? Doesn't seem likely since you already tried the other bulb too, but if the bulb wasn't plugged in all the way...? Maybe a burr or something preventing it from being seated (pushed in) all the way?
I'm sure you already emailed the company right?
My first attempt at using my turbo-twist resulted in a "no-light". I disassembled it, unplugged the bulb, put it back together, and *poof*...it worked. :huh:

[NJ Devils Fan]

Its hard to e-mail them since they went out of business over a year ago....;)

[beviking]

Well THAT doesn't bode well for your situation! :mad2:

[NJ Devils Fan]

I know, thanks for cracking that case b.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Here are some pics of what I am dealing with.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid193/p1dfd1166628dabe8af1f54586d18ea88/f19ec308.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid193/p63d9d31ac8beead6972842dfc8d2210a/f19ec247.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid193/paf7fba05821ab07d4873d2245e16a573/f19ec0e5.jpg

[Jericho]

So does it have a switch? If so try to change the wireing so that the switch is no longer used and see if that works. May be a bad switch.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Nope, no switch. You just plug it in and thats it. The "thats it" part is not working for me.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Ok, I partially fixed it. I twisted the two red wires together that were seperated and it made the bulb light up partially. However, the entire bulb does not light up. It did once when I kind of turned it, the entire bulb lit up, but I unplugged it right away and when I plugged it in again, only the bottom inch or so lit up. Do I need a new bulb even though I didn't ever use this one?

[beviking]

I know, thanks for cracking that case b.

WELL, try sticking your tongue in the socket and the bulb in your... :laugh: ...ear!

Sounds like not enough juice getting to the bulb. Break in the wiring? Like an actual break in the copper wire, not the insulation. What is that thing your holding in the bottom pic? Hmm...that looks like it would fit...in your ear :D

[NJ Devils Fan]

That little bulb is a started a rep from big al's said. He said I would just have to go and get a new one and it will be fine. When I shake the wires while I plug the sterlilizer in, I can get the bulb to light up all the way. The guy said that I am acting as the started when I do that. Oh well, I will go to the hardware store and buy a starter tomorrow.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Just an FYI, I put in a new starter and it works great...

[beviking]

They have a starter...? :huh:
Glad you got it figured out! Next time it happens, I'll be able to tell you what's wrong! :dance:

[Jericho]

They have a starter...? :huh:


Yep, most all gas tubes do, just like a florecent light has starters in them (they tend to have them built into the balast or in the case of CF they are built into the bulb base).

[sardesign]

Custom Sea Life is now Current USA. If you have any new problems call or email them. They should be able to help you with the older products.