Nano Cube lights died?

[Yak]

I have a fairly new Nano Cube (12 gallon) that I started setting up as a reef. The day I was going to put one of my clowns in, the lights stopped working. When the timer clicks on, the light will flick on, but only for about half a second. A minute later it will flick again. Over and over but it won't fire. Do the PC bulbs have some sort of starter in them? Is it the ballast? And is this something that's common with these things?

 

[lhdawson]

HI, I have a 6 gallon Nano Cube. 3 days after I recieved it, the lights started flickering of and on rapidly. It was also making a loud buzzing/crackling sound. I contacted jbj lighting and they promptly sent me out a complete new hood since it was in warranty. Be prepared to pay for the shipping charges though which shouldn't be more than 20 bucks. Since I have had the tank since 05/12/2006 all is well and working great atm.

 

[EdKruzel]

Ihdawson,
[welcome]

Yak,
Unfortunately those ballast used for the nano's are poor at best; if you have any electrical ability you can purchase one from a local hardware or lighting store and rewire it yourself or you can contact the manufacturer for a replacement, however with shipping costs it's cheaper to go buy a better quality ballast and do it yourself.

If you wait for the replacement and need light for any corals, a cheap high intensity shop light will suffice. Wal-Mart usually has them for under $10.
It won't look pretty but it will keep your livestock alive.

Ed

 

[Yak]

Thanks for the replies guys.... I haven't moved any coral into the little tank yet, so no worries there. I'm just not real familiar with PCs so I wasn't sure if it was the bulb or the ballast. Looks like I'm shopping for a new ballast then. Thanks again....

 

[lhdawson]

<3 EdKruzel

Thanks for the warm welcome :-D