Light Problems

Justin

Small Fish
Oct 22, 2002
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#1
I got one of those eclipse filter/light combos that I got about 5 years ago. Two Days ago I took it down for a serious cleaning, and I think I accidentally got some water in the light part. Since then, only one of the two light bulbs works. And it flickers for about 5-10 minutes after I turn it on. It never used to do that. The bulbs are only a month old, so I know they're not the problem. Do I have a serious problem on my hands (like replacing the whole thing) or is there a way I can maybe fix it?

Justin
 

Oct 22, 2002
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#2
I would definitely go the bulb route first.  Worst case scenerio: you have your own warehouse for the bulbs next time around.  Best case: you didn't buy a whole new hood/light combo over a basic general maintenance issue.

On another note...Do you like the eclipse set up?
I have been somewhat skeptical about the gasses being omitted into the open air.  Further, there are no ways to add additional back-canister filters.

I have one for four months now on a little "grow-out" tank.  (Still not sure)
 

R

ronrca

Guest
#3
What might of happened is that when water got into the 'light part' (Im assuming in the ends where the tube leads insert into) and evaporated, it left a residue behind that is interfering with the contact. If possible, try to clean the contacts with rubbing alchol or something.
 

Justin

Small Fish
Oct 22, 2002
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#4
This is to answer Deacon 14's question:
No I do not like the Eclipse setup. The filter sucks. At just the slightest waste buildup, the water flows over into the biowheel area and less through the cartridge. I don't know if others experience the same problems. The light is okay.I just rigged up a filtration setup using my eclipse and an undergravel filter. The pump draws the water through the undergravel filter, and then through the eclipse. This puts less solid waste into the eclipse filter, and almost eliminates my problem.

As for ronrca:
By light part I mean the whole section of the eclipse hood (you know, the front part of the eclipse hood where the bulbs are?). I can't explain it that well sorry. I'll have to try cleaning the ballasts with alcohol. I think it might be more inside the wiring, though. If so I'm screwed (I'm 16 and short on cash).

Justin
 

Justin

Small Fish
Oct 22, 2002
22
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#6
Josh if you've ever seen an eclipse, I think it comes with a special ballast assembly. I'd have to buy direct from Marineland (who knows how much they charge for this crap). I'm going to try cleaning all the wiring and stuff with some rubbing alcohol. For now I think I can manage with just one bulb.
 

R

ronrca

Guest
#8
Cleaning the ballast and wires will not help much since there is not electrical contact on the outside of the ballast and wires. Check for loose connections. Look at what condition the ballast is in. As mentioned before, if you have a voltage meter, you can check if the ballast is working. If not, plug it in. Wait and see what happens. If the it starts to smell like burning plastic then your ballast is kaput. If nothing happens, it might to your connections to the tubes.
 

Justin

Small Fish
Oct 22, 2002
22
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#9
Where do you get a voltage meter? What does it look like? How do you use it on the ballasts?
I've been on vacation for a week, and I just got back. Now the light doesn't work at all! I'm about to just throw this whole damn thing out the window!
 

R

ronrca

Guest
#10
You can get a voltage meter at Home Depot for about $10-20. Just ask for one and someone will show you. To test the light, first check the wires coming in. Then check the wires leaving the ballast.