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There are some common issues that affect similar makes and models of aquarium LED lights, such as flickering or not turning on at all.
So, if your Top Fin LED light isn't working as it should, browse through this list of potential reasons for a faulty fish tank hood light.
As with most fish tank starter kits, Top Fin LED lights are designed for specific voltages (e.g. 12V or 24V).
In other words, using the wrong voltage power supply - too high or too low - may cause the light to malfunction or not work at all.
Here's a good example:
If you use a 12V power supply for a 24V aquarium light the outcome is going to be non-functioning lighting or a dimmed light at best.
Check that the label on the light and power supply is an exact match.
Another reason why the hood light fails to turn on could be because there are too many devices connected to the same power source. If so, it is likely to be overloaded so there's no need to carry out a Top Fin light replacement.
Loose or damaged connections are a common cause of flashing LED lights, especially the strip or hood lights that are part of Top Fin starter models.
The solution?
Inspect the power pins, the wires, and connectors and check for any signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or a total disconnection.
If yours is a strip light, make sure the pins are properly inserted (e.g. not bent). If you have a hood light, check the internal wiring and mounting system. Try reconnecting it (or a gentle adjustment) if the connection seems to be loose.
To be clear, some kind of problem with the power supply is the most common reason why aquarium LED lights fail to work properly.
However, you can start the troubleshooting process by checking to see if the power adapter is securely plugged in and functioning normally.
Here's the kicker:
If it's an old model, or it has been exposed to a power surge (e.g. during a thunderstorm), it could be damaged beyond repair. Testing it with a multimeter will determine whether it is delivering the correct voltage or not.
If not, you might need to replace the adapter. Even so, using a different power outlet or making sure that no other devices are overloading the circuit, can sometimes fix the problem.
What if the blue light flickers or it only works intermittently? By and large, this happens due to either a loose wire or a faulty driver. It could also be an incompatible dimmer switch (if you have one fitted).
However, when Top Fin lights start flickering it often indicates they are getting close to the end of their standard lifespan. Put another way, the internal components may have already started to degrade beyond repair.
Try to reset the light by unplugging it, waiting for a few minutes, and then plugging it back in. If it's still flickering, either the light or the power supply may need to be replaced.
It's fair to say a Top Fin LED light bar will stop working properly if it has been damaged, such as bent, dropped, or came into prolonged contact with water.
Check for visible signs of physical damage, especially burnt areas, cracks, or moisture inside the fixture. But, this could be the time that you need to replace the light because you can't usually overhaul individual LEDs and their components.
But wait - there's more:
In addition, they may not turn on if they have reached the end of their normal lifespan. In most cases, you can expect this to be up to three (3) years for aquarium LEDs with regular use.
In fact, aquarium lights are sensitive to too much heat, high humidity levels, and salt creep (e.g. in saltwater fish tanks). Hence, a hood light that is too close to the water or being used in a very hot environment may overheat and fail.
Check for proper ventilation around the light and be sure to clean off any harmful residue, especially algae, salt, and condensation buildup on the lens or housing.
If you have a saltwater aquarium setup, rinse the light with freshwater on a regular basis to remove the highly corrosive salinity residues.
The light may be defective or beyond a cheap repair if none of these solutions work. Remember, you can contact PetSmart customer service to see if you're covered by their warranty policy for Top Fin hood light replacements.
It's always difficult to troubleshoot the exact cause of why a Top Fin LED hood light stops working without having all the details.
A solution is easier to find when you know the specific model, how old the light is, and what happens when you try turning it on (e.g. a buzzing noise, flickering).
In the end, you may need to consider upgrading your setup with a new LED light. If so, make sure it matches the aquarium dimensions and it meets your lighting needs (e.g. for corals or plants).