Tek fixture issue

[KathyC]

I have a Tek 4 bulb T5 fixture over one of my tanks and the 2 bulbs in the front of the fixture have stopped working.
I switched out the 2 (I know for sure are working) bulbs from the rear with them and those won't light either.
I am assuming the ballast is shot but want to know if there is any way to be sure that is the issue before I purchase a replacement ballast.

Is there something else that may be wrong with the fixture?


I placed the 2 daylight bulbs in the rear so at least the corals will be fine but need to get this rectified asap.

Any light you can shed on this is appreciated!

 

[daisy]

haha - but seriously, perhaps hit up Russ and Jim personally on this one, as they do carry the Tek T5 unit?

Best of luck!

 

[lfsmarineguy]

It sounds like the ballast. If it's under warranty either call whoever you got it from and let them deal with it or call sunlight directly. They've been pretty good with any issues I've had with a unit in the past. If it's no longer under warranty I would open it up (or if you want PM me and I might be able to shoot over in the next 2 days and take a look at it) and see if there are any visible issues, like loose connections or singed areas.

 

[NL146]

I'm in the dark on this one, sorry.

 

[MIKE NY]

I would check the wiring from the ballast to the endcaps first, maybe something came loose, if not then it's probably the ballast.

 

[roc5288]

I have the tek 8 bulb 36".I to had a problem with the front two bulbs not turning on. seems some salt creep got to the tomb stones. After cleaning and messing with it for a bit lights work. I will tell u tho when i sometimes lifts the fixture for any reason they will turn off again. Mess with it some more and they come back on. Good luck.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I would say it's probably the ballast..check inside the fixture for any salt damage if there is any creep try to clean it off and try again. If you need to borrow a light I have a spare for you.

 

[KathyC]

No warranty, I bought it used from someone on here and it has run flawlessly until now.

Doubtful that it is a salt-creep issue as the light hangs from the ceiling and there was not even any salt on the plastic shield, nor did I see any when I switched the bulbs, though I will check the inside when I open it up fully...easy enough.

Will take a look at all of the internal connections and rule those out first.
Trigger - I have a spare fixture if this will be out of commission for a while - but thanks.


Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[NYreefNoob]

electric draws moisture, definately check the end caps first for corrosion, also one of the issue's with the tek lights is the internal ballast with no active cooling to keep ballast temps down which cause's excessive heat and cause's the ballast to prematurely burn out

 

[KathyC]

electric draws moisture, definately check the end caps first for corrosion, also one of the issue's with the tek lights is the internal ballast with no active cooling to keep ballast temps down which cause's excessive heat and cause's the ballast to prematurely burn out

Thanks Rick -will do!

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

electric draws moisture, definately check the end caps first for corrosion, also one of the issue's with the tek lights is the internal ballast with no active cooling to keep ballast temps down which cause's excessive heat and cause's the ballast to prematurely burn out

+1 especially from evaporation.

No prob Kat good luck!

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The newer Tek Elite fixtures have fans.