Triplefin Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 First of all let me say I'm new to this forum, and already have learned so much! I have a 135l SunSun aquarium, and am having intermittant failures of the lights. I noticed in another discussion someone mentioned that these aquariums often have problems with water getting into the lighting and shorting it out. On opening up the lid and removing the plate that covers the ballast I noticed a few drops of water in the cavity. Has someone had some experience fixing this - as it seems it may be the problem I am having? Either that or it is the bulbs - but I can't even find replacement bulbs either (it has 2x 20W 10,000K T5 tubes)! Would really appreciate any thoughts or tips anyone has on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidb Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Firstly welcome to the forums. I am not an expert on Sunsun Aquariums but I'm sure someone will help out in that regard. What about Starters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Thanks! The ballast has no starters - electrical type I believe. Thanks for the suggestion though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpidersWeb Posted July 10, 2007 Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Local fish stores should be able to supply the 20W T5's needed, make sure to take an old one in with you though to make sure its the exact length. Animates or Hutt Pets should have them in stock or can order them in. Haven't kept a Sunsun before so can't really help with the water issue. I've never had a problem with any of my setups with water build up in the connectors, so your first task will be to see exactly how its getting there and why it isnt drying off by itself, then shield it off with an appropriate measure. You could also do a bit of kiwi DIY and refit it with waterproof T5 connectors (if thats not what it came with). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2007 Thanks, Ater reading may of the topics around lighting, I think I might see if I can change the whole Ballast for a more powerful one as 2x20W for a 100+ litre tank that is planted seems like it may be a little light (pardon the pun). Will also look into the connectors - is it esy to tell if they are waterproof ones ot not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMAZONIAN Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Hi All I would suggest that when you put the lamps back into the unit that you put a couple of "SILICA GEL" PADS IN THERE AS WELL AND TAPE THEM TO THE FITTING. THESE WILL HELP TO KEEP THE CONDENSATION OUT. You can reuse these by drying them in a "Moderate" oven. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paekakboyz Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 would it also be prudent to think of how the increased wattage might effect the hood? ie melting of plastic etc? I'm not familar with that range of tank but I'm sure I've had people mention that issue when upgrading (and sometimes with the standard lights!!) their lights... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishandchips Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 How long are the tubes? I recently did an upgrade on my tank from a single 20w t8 tube to four 24w t5's. There is a bit of a temp difference but the plastic on my tank seems to be holding out. The 24w tubes are about 550mm long and cost me about $24 each. the only problem that i have now is having to trim the plants as the poke there heads above water every week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 How long are the tubes? I recently did an upgrade on my tank from a single 20w t8 tube to four 24w t5's. There is a bit of a temp difference but the plastic on my tank seems to be holding out. The 24w tubes are about 550mm long and cost me about $24 each. the only problem that i have now is having to trim the plants as the poke there heads above water every week. Where did you get the 24W tubes? On closer inspection that is what I currently have, but haven;t been able to find replacements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 would it also be prudent to think of how the increased wattage might effect the hood? ie melting of plastic etc? I'm not familar with that range of tank but I'm sure I've had people mention that issue when upgrading (and sometimes with the standard lights!!) their lights... Good suggestion, though in this case the hood is mostly aluminium. At this point though I think I am just going to try to get the existing setup working ... I now think it is the bulbs ... tested the ballast witha multimeter and it seems to be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Hi All I would suggest that when you put the lamps back into the unit that you put a couple of "SILICA GEL" PADS IN THERE AS WELL AND TAPE THEM TO THE FITTING. THESE WILL HELP TO KEEP THE CONDENSATION OUT. You can reuse these by drying them in a "Moderate" oven. Good Luck. Great idea ... will definatley do that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishandchips Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Where did you get the 24W tubes? On closer inspection that is what I currently have, but haven;t been able to find replacements. I got them ordered through my LFS but you can also find them on the petplanet website. I bought the ballests from them as well. they are fantastic. Your LFS should be able to track them down for you or someone is selling them on trade me as well. Not the aquatic brand but a philips one i think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triplefin Posted July 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 I got them ordered through my LFS but you can also find them on the petplanet website. I bought the ballests from them as well. they are fantastic. Your LFS should be able to track them down for you or someone is selling them on trade me as well. Not the aquatic brand but a philips one i think. Wow, yeah that remote ballast system looks easy to use! Might have to invest. Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.