Any fish tank electronic experts out there?

[swee'pea99]

Just replaced the tube in my fish tank...the new one flickered for a few seconds, then went out. Had another brand new spare, so fitted that. Nothing. Can't hear even the slightest buzz from the lid. Contacted Jewel, who said sounds like yer ballast's gorn mate. All sealed units. You'll have to buy a new one.

Needless to say, they turn out to be somewhere north of £100.

My instinct is to take a hacksaw to the 'sealed unit' and replace the ballast. But I know nothing about them, other than that I need one that can do 2 x 30w tubes. Would something like this do the job? Or what should I be looking for? Thanks if you can help.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Can't do specifics of your unit but you'd need to check if your two tubes are in series or parallel. If parallel there is a chance you need 2 ballasts..... But given that it's all gone dead it's more likely you need just the one.

Best thing is to "hacksaw" it open and have a look at the "details" inside. As it's already dead you're not losing anything....

 

[speccy1]

I`ve got a Jewel tank and had the same problem. Water/condensation gets at the ballast and blows it up, it gets in through the ends where the tubes fit in. I managed to cut mine open, once inside it`s a standard ballast (you need to get the right one for the wattage of the tubes). I swapped it for a new one and sealed the thing back up with sheet plastic cut to shape and plenty of screws/silicone. Worked a treat and that was 5 years ago, still going strong now

 

[speccy1]

Just replaced the tube in my fish tank...the new one flickered for a few seconds, then went out. Had another brand new spare, so fitted that. Nothing. Can't hear even the slightest buzz from the lid. Contacted Jewel, who said sounds like yer ballast's gorn mate. All sealed units. You'll have to buy a new one.

Needless to say, they turn out to be somewhere north of £100.

My instinct is to take a hacksaw to the 'sealed unit' and replace the ballast. But I know nothing about them, other than that I need one that can do 2 x 30w tubes. Would something like this do the job? Or what should I be looking for? Thanks if you can help.

Best place to get one is ebay for around £10, otherwise I think Jewel want about £80 for a new light

 

[Saluki]

Are you anywhere near Norfolk and do you want any Marbled Mollies please?

 

[Mile195]

Yes - I had this same problem as well. We ordered a new light unit in the end. I broke open the old one and it had about an inch of water in it! There was no doubt that it had had-it.

If you get yours apart (as you say, they are glued together but NOT impenetrable!), and it looks otherwise ok simply replace the ballast. You may as well change the starter while you're in there - they don't last forever either.

 

[swee'pea99]

Cheers all. I've broken in, and ordered a new one off ebay, so with any luck a few days & my fishies should be able to get around without bumping into the furniture again.

 

[Saluki]

We gave up with our old Jewel tank and bought an aftermarket light dodad from the fish shop, it was about £20 and worked really well. Just a thought if it really is fried.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

This reminds me....I must buy an aquarium.

 

[biggs682]

fishtanks or aquariums are very relaxing but can be a lot of work involved in upkeep of tank and fish