Light fell in tank -- now what? (Coralife Aqualiight PC)

H

HepCaribou

Registered Member
Oct 30, 2005
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Instead of taking the time to remove the light, I foolishly was attempting to net a problem fish with one hand while tilting the glass-top and light up with the other...

Long story short: I slipped.

The left rear corner of the fixture went in to a depth of about 4" ... the light bulb was below the surface, lit, for 2-3 seconds before it went out (presumably when water actually made it around the plexi shield and/or into the aluminum housing).

The fixture is off the tank now, and unplugged. The fan will still come on, but neither bulb (independent switches) will light. Only 1 bulb was plugged in at the time.

Suggestions? I really don't want to replace a $140 fixture right now. :confused:

Exact fixture is this one:
Coralife Aqualight Double Compact Fluorescent Strip Light 24"
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13733

I don't know where the electronics are located inside the aluminum housing, but if it helps, the submerged corner was the end furthest AWAY from the cords and switches.
 
I'm sorry- happened to me before but all my tanks are FW so had I needed to replace the fixture (which I didn't) it would short me about 30 bucks. Not the $140 or so you'd have to shell out. Luckily nobody was electrocuted and the fish are ok though. Good luck. :)

It does suck though.
 
totally agree... but don't leave drying to chance.

take out the bulbs and anything that you can get to that might cover vent holes or plug up pin connectors etc.. the idea is to open it up as much as possible and still be able to put it back together. to be sure stand it on one end or lean it on something so any left over water wants to go to one end. put a kitchen towel under the lower side and a fan blowing on it. move the fan blowing toward a different crack, crevice or vent about every 12 hours for 3 days.

inspect the unit for condensation inside as best as you can after your 3 days are up. if you find nothing plug it in briefly. doing so with different bulbs will be your best bet.

if you know your bulbs are good and the fixture doesn't work at that point you can try another 3 days. if you can get ahold of a replacement ballast it should be cheaper than an entire new fixture in the event it's blown. i'd inspect the switch for blackened, green or corroded connectors and/or wires also.
 
Good news! Lights appear to be OK! They were over freshwater, so corrosion wasn't as big an issue, and it looks like only the fan electronics got totally wet.

I unscrewed the end caps and left the light on-end with a fan blowing thru it for 24 hours and decided to risk a test since it seemed quite dry (only 1 end went for a swim... luckily it seems it was the non-ballast-end!).

They're working again! I'll be keeping an eye on them though.

I have this light over a 20-tall planted tank, so if I do have to replace it, I'll get something half the wattage -- it's just too bright with 2 x 65w going!

Yay!
 
OMG that is like my worst nightmare. I always worry that I'm going to fry myself and the fish. I guess it's less of an issue with FW but still...yeeeikes...

Glad to hear it's working again :) You sure got lucky!
 
Indeed, a single 65w bulb would be plenty for a 20. You're actually running about twice the usual wattage for high-light plants. That type of light is designed for SW tanks that also need actinic light. You could simply take out one bulb.
 
Ive dropped my light in my tank numerous times, lucky for me its never gone out but i am surprised as the plexi has a crack in it. Glad you got it working! I know for me my light was the most expensive part of my set up!
 
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