question with light

[reefNewbie]

Just wondering, I have 2 48in actinic bulbs. One really old and the other one brand new. Today they decided not to light up correctly, just flicker. Is this because of the old bulb possibly burned out? Or is this a starter/ballast problem? thanks

 

[LFS42]

sounds like a bulb. However, a new starter is much cheaper to try.

 

[reefNewbie]

I have no clue where the starter even is on the hamilton fixture....is it possibly in the ballast box? cause its definetly not near the bulb, i dont see it there.

 

[Kenzy]

It's more likely the bulb, as they get older the harder they are to start. Hmm... the same could be said about me.
I would be surprised if you could find the starter, most are sealed internally in the ballast. Only very old NO ballast have starters that are replaceable.

BTW the starters are about 3/4 the size of a "c" battery with two posts on the bottom and are silver in colour.

 

[Ralphyhp]

Hi Reefnewbie, It depends.There can be many causes to that type of "strobbing" effect. Most of the time, it occurs on new ballast, and will go away after a few days. If it persist, then it could be a number of things, such a bad ballast or incorrect ballast. IMO,your old bulb maybe passaway. The info. was taken from www.hellolights.com . Bye, Ralphyhp.

 

[Leopardshark]

Do I see a goniopora in your tank?? 8O :x

 

[Ralphyhp]

Yes you see Gonioporas on my tank, greens and reds and about 15 budds all over the tank. They dropp of the coral and sometimes the sand cover it and when i found them is to late. Take a look to the budds. Bye,Ralphyhp.

 

[esmithiii]

Ralphy- Tank looks great!

Leopard- He has several that have survived several years and are producing babies. You must have missed the recent thread: http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.p ... c&start=20

 

[Kitta]

Try putting the 2 old ones in. If they work and it wouldn't work with the new tubes then it could be the ballast. This happened to me when I bought new tubes and the old ballast would not work. I then decided to buy electronic ballast(cost a bit more but worth it- instant start) and it works great.

 

[caecosystems]

Just replace the old bulb, then see where you are. Ralphyhp......BRAVO

 

[Leopardshark]

man your gonis are great!!!
i don´t know what you´re doing to maintain those gonis so healthy but keep doing it!! 8O