Dark Waters

[dinsdale]

My lights went out the other day and I'm hoping it's just a bulb but I don't have a spare to test for a faulty one. That's of course if it is the bulb. I checked the plug fuse (no joy) so if it's the balast, I might have to attempt a diy fix. (not usually a skill I possess).

Neither of them make a rattling noise like a conventional bulb but I don't suppose they have the same type filament.
Is there anyway of recognising a dead bulb? I don't mind buying some replacements but I don't really want to buy a new light unit cos I'm wanting rid of the tank.

I would rather sell the tank with functioning lights. Besides, my fish are living in perpetual darkness.

Any advice?

Thanks.
- dins

 

[OldMan47]

Have a look at the tube. If it is starting to turn dark near the end, chances are it has finally died. That is not certain but is a decent indicator. Ballast replacement is actually fairly easy to do. I ventured into my first ballast replacement a couple of years ago and now I never tolerate even a "starter" failure without doing a ballast replacement. If I have one of those older fixtures that has a starter, I consider a ballast replacement with an electronic ballast as an upgrade worth doing.

 

[dinsdale]

On closer inspection, both bulbs have discolouration at the ends. Not surprising really since they're the original ones. I've ordered a new set so I'll see if they fix the problem.
Thank you for your response, most obliged.