Stephen's 550L tank log:

[Stephen]

The LFS only had one 550mm tube so tested with one tube (alternated with existing tubes) to see if one tube had gone.
Didn't work.
So have ordered 3 tubes (buy 2 get 1 free) from iQuatics, should be here mid week.
If they don't work then it's a new light unit.

I have extended the lighting period on the other light unit (T5/LED).

[Stephen]

My new T5 tubes will be here on Thursday, I can then test the light unit properly, fingers crossed they work.

We took a trip to my favourite LFS today, some 65 miles away.
Surprisingly they had some good stock including African cichlids, south American cichlids, tetra, barbs, gourami, killifish, cory etc.. and some plecos.
They also had some Flash plecos (Panaqolus albivermis, L204) which were around 2 inches in size.
The manager was away today and away on hols next week.
The knowledgeable assistant manager recognised me and I asked if they could pick out a female Flash pleco then I'll be back in about 2 weeks time, I will phone first though.
We popped in to Gloucester Quays on the way back home, had lunch, Gill got her bargains and I got a new pair of shoes; so not a wasted trip.
I buy my shoes from Clarks because they are leather, lace ups, good grips (important with a dodgy back) and comfortable but won't pay £100 for shoes, the retail outlet was £69.00 (£30.00 off).
Gill got 2 x pairs of trouser (with pockets) from M&S outlet for £5.00, yes 2 pairs for £5.00. She loves her bargains.

We are both happy with our trip today

[Stephen]

The new T5 tubes arrived today, a day early.
The bad news is the new tubes did not work so the light unit is broken, well one of the ballasts don't work.

The light unit is a sealed unit but I'll have a go at taking it apart as a DIY project, nothing to loose.
Failing that then maybe take it to a local electrical works and if that doesn't work then it's a new light unit.
At least I have some spare 24 inch (550mm) T5 tubes.

Edit:
Spoke to an electrical wholesaler and no go with a repair but they suggested maybe a self DIY repair, they can supply a replacement ballast.
I have nothing to loose so will put my DIY hat on tomorrow.

Further Edit:
Looking at some YouTube videos, I'll buy a new light unit.

Extra Edit:
New light unit ordered.

[plankton]

That got expensive quickly.

[Stephen]

That got expensive quickly.

I know.
Getting a red hot blade to melt the sealant and all the faffing around needed to take the light unit apart put me off the DIY fix.
The new light unit comes with new tubes.
Hopefully I can upgrade to T5/LED tubes in the future using the new unit.
The T5/LED tubes would not work on this light unit but worked fine on the other which made me think the ballast was a bit dodgy in the first place.

[fr499y]

Aquarium Systems LED T5's work in any t5 unit as long as it doesn't have a magnetic balast, which I'm pretty sure everything these days is electronic

[Stephen]

Aquarium Systems LED T5's work in any t5 unit as long as it doesn't have a magnetic balast, which I'm pretty sure everything these days is electronic

I have them in my other light unit but they wouldn't work on this light unit despite both units being identical, hence probably a ballast issue.

[Stephen]

I'm still waiting for the new light unit to arrive, hopefully will be here Monday or Tuesday.

On Friday I done a big water change but also removed all the bogwood to syphon underneath, it wasn't as bad as expected, fairly clean really.
I also gave the bogwood a bit of a scrub with a wire brush and rinsed (all done outside).
There was a distinctive smell to the bogwood which is not surprising as it's been sat in water for ages.
All the fish are well.

[Jack H]

Yeh I had this with my light unit a couple years back, I'm an electrician so the ballast is simple to change but I made a mess opening the kit as mine was sealed as well

[Stephen]

I'm still waiting for the new light unit to arrive, hopefully will be here Monday or Tuesday.

I'm still waiting.
I had a text saying Hermes missed a delivery and to re-schedule.
I got suspicious as they asked for my name, date of birth, mobile number and address.
I phoned the supplier of the light unit (third call this week) to see if they have sent the unit via Hermes.
No, they send via APC.
The Hermes text was probably a scam text so the number is now blocked.
The new light unit is being sent out today so should be here Saturday or Monday.