/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>256664

please help.....shameless self bump.

What kind of light is it? A fluorescent tube? A small Metal Halide? I couldn't tell from your video.

Metal Halide lamps cycle like that at the end of their life:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal-halide_lamp#End_of_life_behaviour

>>256740
it's florescent

>>256740
And some more info:
High pressure sodium lamps will also cycle when they're almost dead, but I don't think they are very common in aquariums because of the yellowish light they produce.

If it is a fluorescent light, look at the ends of the tube. If they look dark like there is soot or something inside, the problem is probably that you need a new tube. If not then your ballast might be f**cked.

Also check simple things first, like: is there a loose wire that might be causing an intermittent connection?

>>256747
Ok, check ends of tube then, and if they look ok you probably need to get a new ballast. I know we're on /diy/, but I'm an decently competent electrical engineer and even I wouldn't attempt to repair an electronic ballast. A new one is easy to wire up though.

I thought loose wires at first, but it always comes on like it does in the video and then it starts flickering when it heats up.... doesnt that mean it's not the wires? or am I wrong? I'm kinda new to this...:S

>>256761
Sounds like you just need a new bulb, dude.

>>256757
I checked the tube, it's dark on one end. is this my problem then?

>>256763
wow I feel dumb. thanks anon, as ever you are just what I need make things better.
for that I salute you