Aquatic Life T5 Issue, how to fix

[tunicata]

Hey Folks,

I need your help thinking through this light issue.

I have an Aquatic Life T5 fixture.

Problem:
The middle light does not come on. The 420/460 section.

I press the button, I hear it click off/on but nothing happens.


Where can I get this light fixed?
Can I fix it by myself?

 

[tunicata]

Any electrical gurus out there? If it is a ballast issue how would I know? Or rather how to fix?

Just want to make sure diagnosis is right so I dont waste money

 

[ming]

I'm assuming there's a T5 bulb in there even though it says LED? If you have a spare T5 bulb, swap it to see if it turns on. If it doesn't, then its likely the ballast since there's really only a power wire from the outlet to the ballast, ballast goes to the end caps, end caps is where you plug in a T5 bulb. So besides a ballast and bulb, everything else is just a simple wire (assuming nothing is loose/disconnected between them)

 

[tunicata]

So, if I swap a new bulb in and if it doesn't work then the only remaining variable is the ballast?

So, does that now mean I should open it up, see if the ballast to endcap wires are loose/frayed/etc. If so fix it.

If not, then it is likely the entire ballast running that 420/460 section needs to be replaced?

I assume I'll find the make/model info on the ballast itself.

Thanks Ming!

 

[QueensRob]

Quick troubleshooting. Let me know the outcome.
1 move the bulbs around and see if the one you know is good comes on.
2 clean the connectors really good with some rubbing alchol
3 if you can check the voltage coming off the ballast
4 if you can hear the relay clicking doesn't meen it is making contact, could be dirty

 

[tunicata]

great guys thanks!
I'll try and get this troubleshooting done asap.

I do appreciate your efforts.

 

[rkaragozler]

Do not test the output of the ballast with a regular meter, the output voltage is very high.
This article is not for T-5 bulbs, but it is very common for trouble shooting.
http://code-elec.com/content/00/01/53/48/38/userimages/fluorescent ballast troubleshooting guide.pdf

 

[CullyisGully]

Quick troubleshooting. Let me know the outcome.
1 move the bulbs around and see if the one you know is good comes on.
2 clean the connectors really good with some rubbing alchol
3 if you can check the voltage coming off the ballast
4 if you can hear the relay clicking doesn't meen it is making contact, could be dirty

Did all of this and still did not come on. I can here it click on and off but does not come on for me. where can I get a new balest

 

[rkaragozler]

Cully, I would start by calling tech support from AquaticLife.
Customer Support
Toll Free: 1-888-548-3480
Local: 1-818-768-6943
Monday ? Friday
8:00 AM ? 4:00 PM Pacific Time
[email protected]
Mailing Address
2416 West Victory Blvd. #136
Burbank, CA 91506

 

[dorry54]

I dealt with them before and my issue was the control panel not the ballast. You should have two ballast one for the whites and one for the daylight. they are fairly easy to swap and test it. that is the first step they will make you do.