moisture burnt out my lights! HELP!

[CorbetJackson50]

Came inside and smelt electrical fire smell went staight to the tank and noticed my actinics were out. This was a DIY retro 2 x 65w actinic PC's. What has happened is where the pins go into the socket had melted. The bulbs base was actually melted to the socket and when i removed the light i broke it. the other one is fine other than it wont light anymore. I assume that it wont light because it needs the other bulb to complete the circuit, am i right. Also do you think it ruined my ballast or just the pc socket.

 

[CorbetJackson50]

bump

 

[jay24k]

If it was wired as a linear circuit, then yes it won't light unless it is complete. Did you use water proof end caps? IMO I would replace the end caps every 2 years.

 

[davidryder]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7082807#post7082807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
If it was wired as a linear circuit, then yes it won't light unless it is complete. Did you use water proof end caps? IMO I would replace the end caps every 2 years.

do you mean a series circuit? series/parallel? i've just never heard it described as linear...

 

[CorbetJackson50]

im pretty sure it was wired in a series but im not sure the endcaps were only a couple months old. for some reason the inside of my hood got really humid with condensation everywhere. i guess a need some better ventalation in the hood. i always figured fans were for heat but i dont think they would hurt

 

[sandsmarc]

I wonder what percentage of reef-tank fires and near-fires are the result of DIY hoods and DIY lighting.

 

[Bandsaw]

Rather your next light unit is a DIY or a commercial unit, I would go out and get some dielectric grease and coat the ends of the bulbs and the sockets with the grease. That will keep the water out.

You can get the dielectric grease at most automotive tune up shops or electronic shops. Just make sure whatever grease you get is rated high temperature.