Hi all,

My lights seem to be busted.
I have changed both tubes for new ones and still no joy.
Plug is good as is the fuse.
Not sure how this system works so can't do a continuity check as I don't know how it should be.

Anyone have any ideas ?
Thanks
Processor.

Have you tried looking at the starters? Otherwise you seem to have ruled out all other possibilities.

You can bypass your original system by adding an acradia controller. You could even add a couple of T5s for more light. Not cheap though.

www.arcadia-uk.info/product.php?pid=7&am...mp;sub=&id=4

Thanks for the quick reply Ken.

The unit is sealed and I presume the starters are in the unit itself. I am comfortable with screwdrivers etc. as I work with electronics but on the Juwel site they say that you have 24 months warranty on their products so if I go tricking around I'll invalidate the warranty....might try it anyway.

I don't have any live plants thanks to some hungry Silver Dollars so standard lighting will do.

Expensive enough for a new unit though.
Think I'll give it a go....where's me hammer then !

Processor.

Processor, good luck with the DIY repair, while you're in there do you think it would be possible to add a switch so that the two bulbs of the unit could be switched on independently?

I would like to have on one moonlight bulb on it's own at night, so I might get a few more views of my cats.


Daragh

If I go in I'll let you know how to do it.

Processor.

dont know what jewel you have but this is what is inside the jewel 60.
hope it helps.



www.irishfishkeepers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=236

Hi Processor,

I had this problem with my 260.Problems to rule out are
1:Are the tubes wasted
2:Are the starters wasted
3:Is there a leak anywhere in the silicone (Often occurs)
If so
4:Has the ballast unit been shorted due to moisture

A continuity test was no use to me as a schematic woule be required for the ballast unit (which isnt easily accesible) on the 260 which I couldnt source.There are cheap alternatives on the market.I got a double unit for €45 in Petstop in Blanchardstown (lights not inc.) which does just as good a job.

Daragh you can fit an extra switch for one bulb only but it means taking apart and resealing perfectly and rearranging wiring inside but the option is already there as far as I can see. It has spare terminals for different arrangements of output and a brief schematic of these terminals. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

There is a possibility that the tubes are gone but I'd be very unlucky to get two new ones blown.
As for the moisture shorting the board the whole unit was welded shut. I cant even see the join. I have to say it's very well put together and sealed...quite impressive.
The circuit board is in perfect condition considering it's enviroment of water and moisture. It was fresher looking than a lot of boards I'd see in cars of only one year old. There is one suspect solder joint which I'll touch up in the morning and see but won't be holding my breath.

Only price I could see for a new Juwel light unit was £75 Sterling.
As for €45 for a new unit .... that's sounds pretty good to me Chris so I think I'll pop down to blanch tomorrow. Is this for a light unit to stick onto the center piece that the original light works was housed in or is it for a whole new center piece and fittings i.e. I just add bulbs ?
My one is a Rio 240.
Don't recognise anything as a starter but then a starter to me was always the cylinder type yokes you'd put into a fluoresent light fitting. I may as well look into a hole as a lighting unit. It has 2 eeproms,a few resistors, 2 capacitors,5 transformers( the wire wound type) a few crystals and nothing exciting. Was hoping to find something obviously wrong.

Will go to Blanch.
Thanks lads.

PS. Suppose I'll have to get some fish while I'm there...Ah sure it would be rude not to. Thanks for the excuse Chris.

No probs Processor,might bump into you there myself!!I shoulda mentioned my 260 is about 8 years old.When you say EEPROM's do you mean IC's.If so be careful with the resoldering as they may be temperature sensitive.If you knew what voltage the AC supply is transformed to (5v,9v,12v) you could try to run through the circuit eliminating each component as you go.I would suggest a PB3 but it wouldnt be able to source enough current??.If all else fails I have all the necessary equipment to do a full diagnostic on the unit if you like.

The unit I recommended is just a 12" x 4" unit with 4 connections for 2 tubes and a mains plug.You will still have to leave the current hood and light fixtures in tact,just without the bulbs!!Its small and handy and will fit in behind the tank and the wires are hidden out the back.

hi folks
unfortunatly, the juwel lighting system works on a single ballast (single starter). also, a few years ago they use to have screw in starters that were not waterproof (or anyway close!) so they now sealed them!
so if you have a reciept of purchase (i think its 1 year/2years, but dont quote me confirm it with juwel first!!) you may get a replacement.