Aquarium Lights Blowing Mains Trip

[**sarahp**]

I put this in hardware - but no joy so thought I'd try here

OK - I bought my tank second hand so all the stuff was already set up. I brought it all home, set it up again and everything was hunky dory for 3 weeks. Then I added in a second filter so had to take things out and move them round and stuff. Anyway - when I put it all back together the one set of lights keeps tripping the mains switch

I've tried plugging it directly into the wall (it was on a 6-gang), I've tried just this light on the 6-gang and last week I took it away from the aquarium completely and had it on the dining room table to dry out (thought maybe it had got water in a connector or something) just plugged it in now - and bam - the trip goes again

Now as I bought it second hand, and the bloke before me bought it as a complete set-up I have no idea what to do? The bulbs dont appear to be flickering before the trip goes. As soon as I reset the trip and plug it in again - same thing - its driving me bananas.

I'm currently doing a fishless cycle so its not the end of the world yet but I would like to get it sorted asasp.

The tank is one of these

http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/product_in...8d16b57bc3882a3

the lights in it are 'Arcadia Marine Blue', the other lights set is working perfectly - that has white light in.

Anyone got any ideas or shall I just give up and buy a new one - if so what sort - I cant seem to find a 'rena' light system anywhere - what should I do??

Can you tell I'm getting just a tad stressed and annoyed now

 

[Darren_co]

Hi,

Please confirm, you have just tried the lights plugged into a wall socket? If this is so and the fuse blows there is a problem with the light unit or wiring. I would check to make sure there are no bare wires showing. Check from the plug end first. If the plug is removable open it and make sure there are no stray bare wires touching any of the other pins or loose in the plug.
If this is not the cause (and with the light unit unplugged) carefully inspect the main wire that goes to the lights, you are looking for any nicks or cuts. If the main wire seems ok, check to make sure the lamp holders have no water in them,
(again do all this with the unit unglugged)you can use a cotton ear bud or tissue to check this as well as doing a visual check. Check the starters and any other wires you can see using the above.

Hope this help.

 

[**sarahp**]

Hi,

Please confirm, you have just tried the lights plugged into a wall socket?

yep I have and it still trips

Hope this help.

Thanks will have a good look later (I'm supposed to be working now!!)

 

[ontheroad]

Keep us updated!

 

[Behold]

Keep us updated!

Try swaping the starters over incas its this causing the trip. if that is ok take out again and dry everything and undoo the controller and let dry as it might just be condensated now. then re fit.

Swap the bulb over incace this may also be faulty.

Just some trys....

 

[**sarahp**]

Hi,
check to make sure the lamp holders have no water in them,

Took it all apart last night - ahd yep - you were right - one of the holders where the two pins connect was damp i have dried it all with a hairdryer and am going to try and re-connect it all later. I think one of the rubber seals is beginning to perish so its off to the LFS tomorrow for a replacement!!

Thanks for your help - much appreciated