Earthquake happen, lights got wet...recommendations

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

Hey guys, just got home after a very long and stressful day. About 8:30 am this morning, got hit with strongest quake since I've been in Alaska. I was at work, about 40 miles away from home (tank) and lost power. The wife made it home and was able to able to aerate the tank a bit until I could make it home. Well, only highway was closed and we got a few good aftershocks... Power came back, highway opened and I ran home. Wife did great on her part, temp only dropped about 3 degrees but it looks like the "real" wave action got my center light wet. As did the floor but that an easy clean up.

It's a Radion 30w pro. Some of the leds were on the left side of the light but only a few. I've unmounted the light, taking off the protective top shield but trying to figure out what I should do next. I haven't even begun searching yet for similar issues but I will. Just wanted to get this started in case I don't find similar stuff. I'm sure people have dropped lights in tanks which will be a good start for me.

I'm guessing I should treat all 3 lights as getting wet but I'll start with this middle one that's not work.

Thanks guys and just so you know, a 7.2 shaker is pretty dang scary.

Brian

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

Lights "got" wet, duh, nerves a little shot. Sorry for the typo...

Coralreefer1 · Nov 30, 2018

Glad you guys are safe first of all! That is a freak of nature that is nothing to mess around with! I have dropped metal Halides in my tank with no serious consequences. I would remove the protective cover and use a hair dryer. Make sure the light fixture is dry, even if it means not using the lights for a day or two. Place them in the sun to ensure they are dry inside. Then plug them in to see that they are working properly! If not, you may need to get new ones.

hdsoftail1065 · Nov 30, 2018

Glad everyone is safe. Rice is pretty handy drying out electronics.

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

Thanks, found a video on how to break them down, doing that now and I'll clean and dry everything that I can get to.

mfinn · Nov 30, 2018

I would also contact Ecotech Marine and explain what happened.
See what they could do.
Even if the light is out of warranty, call anyway.

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

well, found the issues. However, it looks more like an old issue. It's really bad for only being a 10 hours or so. This looks like something that's been like this long term. Well, whatever, time to start cleaning all these pieces.

And thanks for the replies and well wishes. The family is safe, now need to help the fish and corals...

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

mfinn said:
I would also contact Ecotech Marine and explain what happened.
See what they could do.
Even if the light is out of warranty, call anyway.

If I can't get is working this weekend, I absolutely will do.

gcarroll · Nov 30, 2018

Brian Hunt said:
If I can't get is working this weekend, I absolutely will do.

Should have started there rather than as a last resort. I hope they help you out. They usually exceed expectations.

T-5unsystem · Nov 30, 2018

Most of the time the salt is more dangerous than the water. With electronics like this unplugged you can even rinse them out with water first to get the salt out. Once all rinsed out wait until it is ALLLLL the way dry before applying power.

IMO that nuked board is from the salt shorting the contacts and was instant not long term.

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

gcarroll said:
Should have started there rather than as a last resort. I hope they help you out. They usually exceed expectations.

I suppose but if I can fix it myself, would always rather do that. But I'll contact them Monday if I'm dead in the water....

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

T-5unsystem said:
Most of the time the salt is more dangerous than the water. With electronics like this unplugged you can even rinse them out with water first to get the salt out. Once all rinsed out wait until it is ALLLLL the way dry before applying power.

IMO that nuked board is from the salt shorting the contacts and was instant not long term.

Gotcha, I'm rinsing it all with water and then I'll blowdry several times tonight. Bring up the temp a little bit but not too much. Let it sit by the heat vent tonight and hope for the best in the morning. Than contact EcoTech and maybe hope for even the better best.

Again, thanks everyone for the input.

Brian Hunt · Nov 30, 2018

Got it cleaned up, not looking promising IMO. Looks like it contacted the main case for the light and arced causing all the powder coat or whatever substance to cook off.

Hoping I can just buy the boards and not a new light. I did contact EcoTech, we shall see what they say. I love the light.

Mr.Asbury · Nov 30, 2018

Glad to hear you're safe after the earthquake. I hope you're able to get everything fixed with your lights! Best of luck.

DesertReefT4r · Nov 30, 2018

Man that sucks. Looks like that board it done. Hopefully you will get it fixed soonmand yeah you should have called Ecotech first thing. Opening up the light may void any warranty.

Grigs · Nov 30, 2018

Looks like you did a pretty good job of cleaning it up. A clean with DI or rubbing alcohol is a great idea. Just wet a qtip and rub it down... whole board, not just area that turned black. You can set it in a ziplock bag with rice in it to help dry it out if you need it. Be careful with hair dryer. Can potentially compromise solder joints if you linger too long. I agree that damage was likely instantaneous. If you feel brave you could try reenergizing it. It is possible from the positioning of the char on the back of the stabs (other side of PCB from chip) that you will get lucky...

rushbattle · Nov 30, 2018

Grigs said:
Looks like you did a pretty good job of cleaning it up. A clean with DI or rubbing alcohol is a great idea. Just wet a qtip and rub it down... whole board, not just area that turned black. You can set it in a ziplock bag with rice in it to help dry it out if you need it. Be careful with hair dryer. Can potentially compromise solder joints if you linger too long. I agree that damage was likely instantaneous. If you feel brave you could try reenergizing it. It is possible from the positioning of the char on the back of the stabs (other side of PCB from chip) that you will get lucky...

I agree, it looks salvageable at this point. Just be sure to get it as clean and dry as possible and give it a shot. I would also get a new board from Ecotech as this is likely to decrease it's life expectancy even if it does work when you re-energize.

mfinn · Nov 30, 2018

Brian Hunt said:
I did contact EcoTech, we shall see what they say.

Don't rely on their email support, or even forum support.
This is one area IMO they have dropped the ball with customer service.
The only support they give good service to is a direct phone call.

Katrina71 · Nov 30, 2018

Do you need to file an insurance claim for your home? I'd include your light if so.

noahlmil · Dec 1, 2018

Currently in recovery mode too. There is a kessil ap700 in the hood about 18 inches off the water and I saw water dripping out of it when I got home, I guess I better take it down and have a look inside. I cant imagine what that looked liked during the shaking for water to get that high. Hope your light survives.

I wish these after shocks would quite too. Kind of nerve racking.

I