Issues with light fixture - can I fix it myself?

rgentry123 · 03/21/2017, 09:44 AM

I'm having some issues with my current light fixture (8 bulb T5 Tek Light Fixture) and I'm thinking it may be a ballast issue and I'm wondering if I can fix it myself. The issue I'm running into is that all of the lights don't always stay on. If I bump the fixture, sometimes a few of the bulbs will go off. If I hit it again, they come back on.

Does this sound like a ballast issue? How difficult is this to fix? I just bought new bulbs 3 weeks ago so I don't really want to spend the money on a new fixture if I don't need to.

Indyws6 · 03/21/2017, 10:04 AM

Generally speaking, a ballast either works, or it doesn't. It sounds like a loose connection. Is it always the same set of lights? If so, isolate the ballast(s) for those lights and look for a loose connection either at the conection to the light pins/socket(s) or the power feed and ground for the ballast(s).

rgentry123 · 03/21/2017, 10:17 AM

ok, I'll look at that. It actually looks like one of the sockets is cracked now that I'm looking closer so maybe that is part of the problem as well - however there are other bulbs that flicker on/off that don't have cracked sockets

Indyws6 · 03/21/2017, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgentry123

ok, I'll look at that. It actually looks like one of the sockets is cracked now that I'm looking closer so maybe that is part of the problem as well - however there are other bulbs that flicker on/off that don't have cracked sockets

You likely have one or more loose/poor connections...

oreo57 · 03/21/2017, 11:42 AM

Probably.. Basic lights aren't rocket science. That said they can be quite shocking..
As mentioned above.. sounds like loose/corroded wiring.. Start at the switch if it has one..
could even be the power cord.. If all ballasts flicker go from where the main power joins them and work backwards..

just unplug it first..

wishntoboutside · 03/21/2017, 12:26 PM

the end caps where after time. you should be able to get replacements from a local hort shop as they are the same parts for many of their fixtures.

03/21/2017, 09:44 AM	#1
rgentry123 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: fredericksburg, VA Posts: 975	Issues with light fixture - can I fix it myself? I'm having some issues with my current light fixture (8 bulb T5 Tek Light Fixture) and I'm thinking it may be a ballast issue and I'm wondering if I can fix it myself. The issue I'm running into is that all of the lights don't always stay on. If I bump the fixture, sometimes a few of the bulbs will go off. If I hit it again, they come back on. Does this sound like a ballast issue? How difficult is this to fix? I just bought new bulbs 3 weeks ago so I don't really want to spend the money on a new fixture if I don't need to. __________________ there is going to be an episode of intervention based on me soon if someone doesnt come up with a 12 step program for this hobby soon. And i have RC members to thank for enabling me.

03/21/2017, 10:04 AM	#2
Indyws6 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 211	Generally speaking, a ballast either works, or it doesn't. It sounds like a loose connection. Is it always the same set of lights? If so, isolate the ballast(s) for those lights and look for a loose connection either at the conection to the light pins/socket(s) or the power feed and ground for the ballast(s). __________________ "Scientology" - That's a lot of letters just to spell "Cult" Current Tank Info: Needs a refresh...

03/21/2017, 10:17 AM	#3
rgentry123 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: fredericksburg, VA Posts: 975	ok, I'll look at that. It actually looks like one of the sockets is cracked now that I'm looking closer so maybe that is part of the problem as well - however there are other bulbs that flicker on/off that don't have cracked sockets __________________ there is going to be an episode of intervention based on me soon if someone doesnt come up with a 12 step program for this hobby soon. And i have RC members to thank for enabling me.

03/21/2017, 12:26 PM	#6
wishntoboutside professional snow flake Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Riverside, Cali Posts: 5,962	the end caps where after time. you should be able to get replacements from a local hort shop as they are the same parts for many of their fixtures. __________________ Richard Current Tank Info: 450 gallon peninsula tank 724830 filled with a bunch of frags and trying to grow them out.

03/21/2017, 11:42 AM	#5
oreo57 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,793	Probably.. Basic lights aren't rocket science. That said they can be quite shocking.. As mentioned above.. sounds like loose/corroded wiring.. Start at the switch if it has one.. could even be the power cord.. If all ballasts flicker go from where the main power joins them and work backwards.. just unplug it first..