How to test Nano Cube light?

[Oblivionis]

I have this 28 gal Nano Cube that's been sitting in my garage for years. I want to set it up for my son. The problem is that the lights don't work. I took apart the remote ballast assembly and made sure the lamp ballast had power. Still no lights. How do I check if it's the bulbs or the ballast? It's 36W straight pin compact fluorescent bulbs. Should I be seeing a voltage across the pins? Which pins and what voltage?

 

[bblumberg]

I had the same problem with a 24g Nanocube a few years back. You can either buy a new hood with lights for about $140 or consider one of the LED upgrades sold by companies you can find on Google.

 

[username in use]

I have this 28 gal Nano Cube that's been sitting in my garage for years. I want to set it up for my son. The problem is that the lights don't work. I took apart the remote ballast assembly and made sure the lamp ballast had power. Still no lights. How do I check if it's the bulbs or the ballast? It's 36W straight pin compact fluorescent bulbs. Should I be seeing a voltage across the pins? Which pins and what voltage?

You should just upgrade it. Check out stevesleds for some kits to upgrade it to controllable LED's.

 

[Oblivionis]

This is for my kid's room. It will just have some clownfish. I don't want to spend $300 on a light. A new ballast is $25. Light bulbs $45. I'm just trying to figure out which I need.

 

[West1]

Test the bulb with a multimeter or for 25.00 you might as well just buy a new one. You'll need a new bulb anyways.

Id be more concerned with the seams of the tank. I would fill the tank with tap water and leave it for a week.

 

[West1]

Can't edit my post. Here is a quick search on how to test a bulb.

https://www.hunker.com/12234865/how-to-test-fluorescent-lamps

 

[Oblivionis]

The tank is fine. It's been holding water for almost two weeks. I have one of my DIY LED fixtures over it now but I'd like to get the hood on it.