Light Change

[SimonG]

Hi all,


Very newbie question....

The florescent tube in my tank has died (18" tube 2 pins either end)

Worked out how to get it out and put in a new one, but no light!

Can anyone tell me/ give me some clues how I get the new tube to fire up?


Many thanks,
Simon

 

[thereverendturtle]

Make certain the bulb is installed properly. The other problem may be a bad starter or ballast.

 

[SimonG]

This is part of my problem, no idea what "propperly" is.
Tank was second hand, and no instructions on new bulb for fitting.

Wanted a "sanity" check before returning buib as faulty.

 

[thereverendturtle]

Ok, the pins should go straight down into the slots, then rotate 90 degrees. You may have to fiddle with it to be sure its in correctly. The other option, is take the fixture and bulb to your lfs and ask them to check it out. I checked fixtures and bulbs all the time, when I worked at one.

 

[SimonG]

Thanks I'm guessing it's the 90 degree bit, as tube just rotates (no stop at 90)

Late now but will try this tomorrow in daylight, when I can see what I'm doing.

Thanks for advice!

 

[thereverendturtle]

You're welcome.

 

[SimonG]

Well 90degrees didn't work (tube rotates 360 with no change). Will try and get it to shop tomorrow.

Anyone know where replacement fittings can be got from?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Most hardware stores stock replacements, some pet stores will as well.

 

[SimonG]

Got light fitting checked out today, looks like its on the way out; if not dead already. With patience it would fire up in the shop; but haven't been able to replicate this once back home

Prices for replacement hoods are around £60 (more than the tank cost me). Can't see any similar sized tanks for sale second hand locally, so need to find a light solution.

Option 1
Have spotted these on the the bay: lighting starter unit
My current starter unit is built into the plactic hood of my tank, so replacing it with this would require breaking open the hood.

Option 2
Also found LED light strips
My first question about these is can they be used as an alternative to tube lights?
They appear lower wattage, and I know LEDs seem brighter that other artificial lights, how do I know what strip will give the same light as my bulb?
One of the things that appeals with these is using two, one white light for "normal" lighting, and a second blue one for evening/mood lighting.

How feasible is option 2, or should I stick with tubes?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Personally I'd go with the l.e.d.'s. A friend of mine sales those at his shop, and over the freshwater tanks look really good.

 

[SimonG]

Personally I'd go with the l.e.d.'s. A friend of mine sales those at his shop, and over the freshwater tanks look really good.

Thanks RT,

I Like the look of them too (was about to ask you for his details, but spotted we're in different countries).



Does anyone know how many LED's are about the same as a 18" 15w neon?

 

[thereverendturtle]

I can't help you with the equivalent part, but I do know the light is more focused and the tube should be as close to the length of the tank as possible.