So, about 3 days ago the light above my 75 gallon tank went out. I figured that I could just replace the bulb and everything would be fine. But no. I believe the light fixture itself is broken, but I'm at a loss for how I may fix it. It was made, according to the sticker on it, by all glass aquariums. I've had for at least 2 years now. I know its not a very high quality light fixture, but I did expect it to last a little longer. So, my question to you is, is there anyway to fix this, based on the info. I gave you, or should I just throw in the towel and get a new one? Or is there something else, other than the fixture, wrong with it?
The lights are out!
- Thread starter ppetropulo
- Start date
AGA hoods and striplights changed to Aqueon more than 2 years ago. It is possible that the store had an older fixture sitting on the shelf though.
Depending on when it was made it may or may not have a starter. AGA/Aqueon changed to electronic ballasts several years ago which do not have a starter.
If you can see a little cylinder about 3/4" in diameter sticking out the bottom of the fixture that is the starter and you can find replacements at any hardware store and most lfs. If you don't see this cylinder then it has an electronic ballast. You can find replacement ballasts at most lighting stores and your lfs may have them. You will need to cut the wires to the lampholders and rewire in the new ballast with some wire nuts to make the connection. It's easy to do.
Of course it may be just better off to buy a new light strip or maybe even upgrade to LED at this time.
Andy
Depending on when it was made it may or may not have a starter. AGA/Aqueon changed to electronic ballasts several years ago which do not have a starter.
If you can see a little cylinder about 3/4" in diameter sticking out the bottom of the fixture that is the starter and you can find replacements at any hardware store and most lfs. If you don't see this cylinder then it has an electronic ballast. You can find replacement ballasts at most lighting stores and your lfs may have them. You will need to cut the wires to the lampholders and rewire in the new ballast with some wire nuts to make the connection. It's easy to do.
Of course it may be just better off to buy a new light strip or maybe even upgrade to LED at this time.
Andy
Oh, yeah that's probably it then. I think I'm just gonna go on ahead and replace the light strip. Thanks for all of your help though!
Oh, and how many watts per gallon should I get? I would like to grow freshwater plants, if possible, but nothing that necessarily needs extremely high lighting, I just like the option. I really like this fixture:http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquar...cagpspn=pla"&gclid=CMLavLKkprkCFc4-MgodxygAXw
Why do you say that, Roy? As far as I can tell the difference between that and the "+" version is that the latter includes a variety of lighting modes and options with a wireless remote. The + is more highly reviewed, and even my LFS (whose employees have been known to steer people away from product they don't think works well, and the Satellite+ fixtures replaced their previous freshwater LED sets) say that the + is great for low-medium light plants at up to about 20 inches of depth.
The LED+ has White and RGB, the regular has just white and blue. Not sure what the PAR is on the regular (not a lot of planted people have it to test, and Current doesn't have any readings on their site) but I know one knock on a lot of early LEDs was the lack of red.
That being said the LED+ is on sale at Drs F&S and I saw it on Petco.com too for not that much more. I'd choose the LED+ just because I know it does well with low/medium light plants.
That being said the LED+ is on sale at Drs F&S and I saw it on Petco.com too for not that much more. I'd choose the LED+ just because I know it does well with low/medium light plants.
Thanks guys! I ordered the LED+. Really excited to see how it lights the tank! I'll let you know if the plants I have in there grow well or not... I'm sure they will.