Please please HELP !!!!

Robg139 · Oct 17, 2022

My brand new aquatic life dx18 just fell into my tank water while trying to setup alone. Now it’s not working not even turning on its shorting as soon as I plug it into an outlet. Anyone from New Jersey who can take a look please ? Or guide me on what to do !!

Uncle99 · Oct 17, 2022

Put it in rice to dry it completely out first.

OldRed1 · Oct 17, 2022

Uncle99 said:
Put it in rice to dry it completely out first.

No, do not put your electronics in rice. The dust and starch from rice grains can cause damage to sensitive electronic circuits.

If you have all ready plugged the device back in after unplugging it, then it’s likely you have permanently damaged your circuit board. That you are seeing the lights short is evidence of this. I would be concerned about the lights posing a long-term fire hazard even after they dry out.

Uncle99 · Oct 17, 2022

OldRed1 said:
No, do not put your electronics in rice. The dust and starch from rice grains can cause damage to sensitive electronic circuits.

If you have all ready plugged the device back in after unplugging it, then it’s likely you have permanently damaged your circuit board. That you are seeing the lights short is evidence of this. I would be concerned about the lights posing a long-term fire hazard even after they dry out.

It’s better dry than not at all.
At least it has possibilities.
Cover it with a sheet if your worried.
Done it, worked great for me.

Vsrt17 · Oct 17, 2022

Agree, plugging it in should have been avoided for a few days to dry out and even then you'd have to clean out the boards to remove the saltwater residue.

ScottJ · Oct 17, 2022

Maybe you could contact mfg and send it in for repair. It won't be warranty, but it might be less expensive than a replacement.

vetteguy53081 · Oct 17, 2022

Robg139 said:
My brand new aquatic life dx18 just fell into my tank water while trying to setup alone. Now it’s not working not even turning on its shorting as soon as I plug it into an outlet. Anyone from New Jersey who can take a look please ? Or guide me on what to do !!

No rice- This is not a phone or radio. Salt and electricity do not mix . Do not open or take apart but call manufacturer to see what help they can offer BUT you may find yourself in the market for a replacement unit- Unfortunately

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

Thanks guys yea I took it apart dried it as best I can I emailed manufacturer waiting on them now to see what they say.

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

The thing is it didn’t even get that wet only one side fell in but I guess that was enough.

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

T5 Dimmable Ballast 24w/39w

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Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

Think replacing ballast would fix it ?

Tuan’s Reef · Oct 18, 2022

Did your ballast drop in the water too? The unit itself is the problem. its pretty much toast if it is dropped in saltwater.

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

Yea the ballast hit water a little but the unit honestly didn’t have much water in it only one side dropped into the water and I immediately pulled it out and dried.

vetteguy53081 · Oct 18, 2022

Robg139 said:
The thing is it didn’t even get that wet only one side fell in but I guess that was enough.

These lights today so expensive and have tiny circuit boards

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

vetteguy53081 said:
These lights today so expensive and have tiny circuit boards

Isn’t the circuit board in the ballast tho ? I’d figure if I change that it would be okay. I mean Iam still waiting to hear from aquatic life manufacturer see what they say. If anything bring it to my LFS and see if they can fix it.

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

I already have the hydra 32hd over my tank but wanted this for my new sps. This is pic a year ago before corals.

vetteguy53081 · Oct 18, 2022

Robg139 said:
Isn’t the circuit board in the ballast tho ? I’d figure if I change that it would be okay. I mean Iam still waiting to hear from aquatic life manufacturer see what they say. If anything bring it to my LFS and see if they can fix it.

Ballasts actually prevent overheating, shortages and controls the amount of wattage output. The little circuits control colrs, timers, wifi, etc based on type of lamp

dmsc2fs · Oct 18, 2022

Circuit board would not be in the ballast.

Robg139 · Oct 18, 2022

Hmm so replacing the ballast may not even fix the problem. I don’t see replacement circuits anywhere. I’ll just wait for @AquaticLifeProducts to see what they think.