HELP!! My light fell in my tank.

capps_caitlyn · 04/22/2012, 08:43 PM

My light fell into my tank for only a few seconds but long enough to fill with water. It did not electrocute the tank. However, not my light isn't functioning properly. I have a coralife T5 lighting system. It has 4 T5 bulbs and two LED's for night time. One of the bulbs isn't fully coming on and its not blown.

I sat it on its end to drain the water out and have started wiping it out. I don't know how I should go about cleaning it and figuring out what the problem is.

beginnersluckpg · 04/22/2012, 08:48 PM

Just let it dry and it might be ok. Cleaning any salt residue off the connections etc might be a good idea.

capps_caitlyn · 04/22/2012, 09:16 PM

I cleaned and wiped down everywhere I could reach and took most of it apart. So far all of the bulbs work but one. I'm going to let it sit overnight and see how it is tomorrow

ek9vboi · 04/22/2012, 09:53 PM

STOP trying to make it work for now, that will only cause it to burn out and fry something. This might sound weird, but put it in rice to soak up any water/moisture left over in it. Its going to take a lot of rice. lol

Reef Noob · 04/22/2012, 10:46 PM

Wow. Just... wow.

You don't get a Darwin Award for burning the house down. I mean, you actually have to kill yourself.

All kidding aside, people die from electricity all the time. When someone is executed in the electric chair, they don't douse them with fresh water, they use saltwater. Saltwater and electricity is an efficient killer. Be careful and be cautious. (Better safe than sorry.)

As for the light, it is saveable if you get the salt out of it. The salt is corrosive and will ruin the electrical contacts in the light. The best thing you can do to save it is give it a freshwater bath as soon as possible followed by an RODI rinse. Then let it air dry (a fan is better).

ConnorG · 04/22/2012, 10:53 PM

ek9vboi has a very good point. This may sound funny but I dropped my phone in a lake and when I found it I put it in a bag of rice for a few days and when I took it out it was good as new! I have also put phones in a freezer and then let dry but I don't think that would be a good idea for a light! Anyways I would give it a shot if it doesn't work!

Jay1982 · 04/22/2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Noob

Wow. Just... wow.

You really aren't adding anything to this thread. Accidents happen and clearly the OP is nervous about what happened.

OP, like others have said, let it dry; make sure the unit remains unplugged and in the morning give everything another rub, you might not see any salt build up at first but keep an eye out for it and remove/wipe. If you haven't fried anything you'll be good to go.

GL

ryanb69 · 04/22/2012, 11:01 PM

If you have a dehumidifier in your house, set it by that over night. That would help to pull out water from within!

good luck!

jerpa · 04/22/2012, 11:25 PM

I agree with all the above. Let it dry and stop turning it on. Many electrical components survive getting wet just fine. The problem is when they are energized the water allows current to travel places it shouldnt and can fry the components.

In the future unplug your light before messing around with the tank. Besides being safer for you it increases the chance of the fixture surviving this kind of mishap.

ghellin · 04/23/2012, 12:57 AM

I work for a major phone carrier and I agree the rice is the best method for wet electronics. However a 48" t5 would take a 50pound bag or rice at least. As stated clean all salt residue off it will continue to cause corrosion even after it dries. Remember the worst thing you can ever do is try to test it before it has had plenty of time to dry. I tell people everyday they fried their $600 android because they put the battery in and tried to turn on a soaking wet phone.

joelespinoza · 04/23/2012, 09:04 AM

Since I assume it fell in saltwater do this first:

Discharge everything by connecting the positive and negative on the power cord when it is NOT PLUGGED IN. Then disassemble everything that got wet as completely as possible. Rinse everything gently with RODI or reverse osmosis water (to remove the salt) then dry everything as much as you can by hand, then dry it as best you can with the methods listed above.

Be patient, its really the only way to recover electronics from water damage, ESPECIALLY salt water damage.

Jenzifer · 04/24/2012, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay1982

You really aren't adding anything to this thread. Accidents happen and clearly the OP is nervous about what happened.

OP, like others have said, let it dry; make sure the unit remains unplugged and in the morning give everything another rub, you might not see any salt build up at first but keep an eye out for it and remove/wipe. If you haven't fried anything you'll be good to go.

GL

you are not adding anything to this thread..everything you have said has already been said.

Bosco83 · 04/24/2012, 09:07 AM

I would also install a GFCI outlet if you haven't already.

capps_caitlyn · 04/28/2012, 09:26 PM

As of now, one of the actinic light is screwy, all of the electrical component work fine. I let if drain for a few hours, took it completely apart wipred down the electrical components with a damp rag. Left if apart overnight with a fan blowing through it. Checked it the next day for salt crusts (none so far). Put it back together and is currently working fine. And I will keep checking the components for salt build-up, which should be pretty easy because of the two built in fans; they pop out and you can see most of the electrical bits from there. Thanks for all of the support and suggestions : )

i Tuna · 04/29/2012, 12:51 AM

Dont worry about it too much, at least ur reef didn't get fried like mine did... My old great dane decided to jump on my old 150g reef system, while I was at school. Effectively knocking over my 400 watt t5 lighting system into the reef. To make it worse wvery piece of equipment and all life in that setup ceased to work / live. So count ur lucky stars that at least you didn't have to experience a total system fail!
Happy reefing

cpostis@att.net · 04/29/2012, 06:21 AM

Sorry I did not see this post earlier. You may wish to try placing a few incandescent lamps over the fixture, not so close to overheat the components. The heat from the lamps will evaporate any trapped moisture. I would leave on for at least 24 hours. I would imagine the fixture has epoxy encapsulated ballasts. More than likely you have bad/corroded connections in switch(es) and/or lamp/ballast sockets. You could try cleaning them w/electro contact cleaner if accessible.

stickyhops · 05/01/2012, 04:28 AM

Air compressor. Blow forced air on it like crazy. In all the tight spots around wires and ballasts.

Dino · 05/01/2012, 05:02 AM

Unfortunately, and I'm sure this isn't the news you wish to hear but I would start saving up for a new light. Reason being that salt is extremely corrosive. Even if you do get it completely dried out (overnight probably won't be enough, I'd probably figure a few days at minimum) and working properly in the near term, there is the very high likely hood that further down the line you're going to start encountering problems. Its just nearly impossible to get all the salt out of every nook and cranny.

capps_caitlyn · 05/01/2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickyhops

Air compressor. Blow forced air on it like crazy. In all the tight spots around wires and ballasts.

I actually used a can of compressed air to blow out as much as I could.

capps_caitlyn · 05/01/2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

Unfortunately, and I'm sure this isn't the news you wish to hear but I would start saving up for a new light. Reason being that salt is extremely corrosive. Even if you do get it completely dried out (overnight probably won't be enough, I'd probably figure a few days at minimum) and working properly in the near term, there is the very high likely hood that further down the line you're going to start encountering problems. Its just nearly impossible to get all the salt out of every nook and cranny.

I'm hoping that if I do have problems with corrosion I can fix it. My fiance is really good with electrical things and could probably replace anything that goes bad. Hopefully!

sng · 05/01/2012, 11:59 AM

It sounds like your going to be upgrading your lights =/

Even if you dry it out, I wouldn't risk using it.

snorvich · 05/01/2012, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

Unfortunately, and I'm sure this isn't the news you wish to hear but I would start saving up for a new light. Reason being that salt is extremely corrosive. Even if you do get it completely dried out (overnight probably won't be enough, I'd probably figure a few days at minimum) and working properly in the near term, there is the very high likely hood that further down the line you're going to start encountering problems. Its just nearly impossible to get all the salt out of every nook and cranny.

Unfortunately, I have to agree. Salt water is a real circuit killer.

04/22/2012, 08:43 PM	#1
capps_caitlyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 27	HELP!! My light fell in my tank. My light fell into my tank for only a few seconds but long enough to fill with water. It did not electrocute the tank. However, not my light isn't functioning properly. I have a coralife T5 lighting system. It has 4 T5 bulbs and two LED's for night time. One of the bulbs isn't fully coming on and its not blown. I sat it on its end to drain the water out and have started wiping it out. I don't know how I should go about cleaning it and figuring out what the problem is.

04/22/2012, 08:48 PM	#2
beginnersluckpg Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Prince George bc canada Posts: 29	Let it dry Just let it dry and it might be ok. Cleaning any salt residue off the connections etc might be a good idea.

04/22/2012, 10:46 PM	#5
Reef Noob Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 158	Wow. Just... wow. You don't get a Darwin Award for burning the house down. I mean, you actually have to kill yourself. All kidding aside, people die from electricity all the time. When someone is executed in the electric chair, they don't douse them with fresh water, they use saltwater. Saltwater and electricity is an efficient killer. Be careful and be cautious. (Better safe than sorry.) As for the light, it is saveable if you get the salt out of it. The salt is corrosive and will ruin the electrical contacts in the light. The best thing you can do to save it is give it a freshwater bath as soon as possible followed by an RODI rinse. Then let it air dry (a fan is better). Last edited by Reef Noob; 04/22/2012 at 11:15 PM.

04/22/2012, 11:01 PM	#8
ryanb69 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Saskatoon, Canada Posts: 97	If you have a dehumidifier in your house, set it by that over night. That would help to pull out water from within! good luck! __________________ 20Gal nano in the works http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2094629 Current Tank Info: 20 gal nano with black occellarus and orange occelarus clown fish. Corals are green star polyp, duncan, candy cane, and pulsing xenia!

04/23/2012, 12:57 AM	#10
ghellin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmond Posts: 1,844	I work for a major phone carrier and I agree the rice is the best method for wet electronics. However a 48" t5 would take a 50pound bag or rice at least. As stated clean all salt residue off it will continue to cause corrosion even after it dries. Remember the worst thing you can ever do is try to test it before it has had plenty of time to dry. I tell people everyday they fried their $600 android because they put the battery in and tried to turn on a soaking wet phone. __________________ 180. SRO 3000INT w/ANC. Fluval SP4. Gyre. DIY LED's/T5s. Apex. Bluefish. Clams. Tangs. SPS.

04/22/2012, 09:16 PM	#3
capps_caitlyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 27	I cleaned and wiped down everywhere I could reach and took most of it apart. So far all of the bulbs work but one. I'm going to let it sit overnight and see how it is tomorrow

04/22/2012, 09:53 PM	#4
ek9vboi Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 3,027	STOP trying to make it work for now, that will only cause it to burn out and fry something. This might sound weird, but put it in rice to soak up any water/moisture left over in it. Its going to take a lot of rice. lol

04/22/2012, 10:53 PM	#6
ConnorG Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 393	ek9vboi has a very good point. This may sound funny but I dropped my phone in a lake and when I found it I put it in a bag of rice for a few days and when I took it out it was good as new! I have also put phones in a freezer and then let dry but I don't think that would be a good idea for a light! Anyways I would give it a shot if it doesn't work!

04/22/2012, 11:25 PM	#9
jerpa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,174	I agree with all the above. Let it dry and stop turning it on. Many electrical components survive getting wet just fine. The problem is when they are energized the water allows current to travel places it shouldnt and can fry the components. In the future unplug your light before messing around with the tank. Besides being safer for you it increases the chance of the fixture surviving this kind of mishap.

04/23/2012, 09:04 AM	#11
joelespinoza Moved On Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Galveston Posts: 417	Since I assume it fell in saltwater do this first: Discharge everything by connecting the positive and negative on the power cord when it is NOT PLUGGED IN. Then disassemble everything that got wet as completely as possible. Rinse everything gently with RODI or reverse osmosis water (to remove the salt) then dry everything as much as you can by hand, then dry it as best you can with the methods listed above. Be patient, its really the only way to recover electronics from water damage, ESPECIALLY salt water damage.

04/24/2012, 09:07 AM	#13
Bosco83 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Granite Falls, wa Posts: 199	I would also install a GFCI outlet if you haven't already.

04/28/2012, 09:26 PM	#14
capps_caitlyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Carbondale, IL Posts: 27	As of now, one of the actinic light is screwy, all of the electrical component work fine. I let if drain for a few hours, took it completely apart wipred down the electrical components with a damp rag. Left if apart overnight with a fan blowing through it. Checked it the next day for salt crusts (none so far). Put it back together and is currently working fine. And I will keep checking the components for salt build-up, which should be pretty easy because of the two built in fans; they pop out and you can see most of the electrical bits from there. Thanks for all of the support and suggestions : )

04/29/2012, 12:51 AM	#15
i Tuna Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kuwait Posts: 154	Dont worry about it too much, at least ur reef didn't get fried like mine did... My old great dane decided to jump on my old 150g reef system, while I was at school. Effectively knocking over my 400 watt t5 lighting system into the reef. To make it worse wvery piece of equipment and all life in that setup ceased to work / live. So count ur lucky stars that at least you didn't have to experience a total system fail! Happy reefing

04/29/2012, 06:21 AM	#16
cpostis@att.net Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Pompano Beach, Florida Posts: 2	Sorry I did not see this post earlier. You may wish to try placing a few incandescent lamps over the fixture, not so close to overheat the components. The heat from the lamps will evaporate any trapped moisture. I would leave on for at least 24 hours. I would imagine the fixture has epoxy encapsulated ballasts. More than likely you have bad/corroded connections in switch(es) and/or lamp/ballast sockets. You could try cleaning them w/electro contact cleaner if accessible. Last edited by cpostis@att.net; 04/29/2012 at 07:00 AM. Reason: left ballast sockets out

05/01/2012, 04:28 AM	#17
stickyhops Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sandusky, Ohio Posts: 47	Air compressor. Blow forced air on it like crazy. In all the tight spots around wires and ballasts.

05/01/2012, 05:02 AM	#18
Dino Freak of Nature Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Finding my way back to the boondocks Posts: 11,048	Unfortunately, and I'm sure this isn't the news you wish to hear but I would start saving up for a new light. Reason being that salt is extremely corrosive. Even if you do get it completely dried out (overnight probably won't be enough, I'd probably figure a few days at minimum) and working properly in the near term, there is the very high likely hood that further down the line you're going to start encountering problems. Its just nearly impossible to get all the salt out of every nook and cranny. __________________ Cody I will love and miss you until the last beat of my heart Harley & Rusty.

05/01/2012, 11:59 AM	#21
sng Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 24	It sounds like your going to be upgrading your lights =/ Even if you dry it out, I wouldn't risk using it.