Can't Get My Tube Out Of My Lighting Unit!

[lotsabob]

Hello everyone,

I have bought a new tube for my little tank. I inherited everything, so am replacing bits. I don't think the flourescent tube has been replaced for a long time, and I can't seem to get it out of the ends of the lighting unit.

The unit is by Interpet, a 15W one, not fitted to the tank or anything. Does anyone have instructions for such a unit? Or able to advise on removing the current bulb? I am worried that because it has been in there so long (who knows, possibly years before I had it??), that the rubber ends holding the tube have become britte. If indeed they were ever 'rubbery'. They have certainly darkened in colour. I just don't want to get brutal with it and do myself an injury, but I don't know whether I should be pulling the ends, or twisting them?...and how easy it should be - is force supposed to be necessary?

Any help much appreciated (I have looked through all the posts in this section and can't find similar). My new tube has two pins each end...I'm hoping the old one does too! Thankyou.

 

[PJPJ]

If it is a standard fluorescent tube it will have two straight pins on each end. If this has been in position for a very long time, they could be fused to the holders.

If they are difficult to remove, take the hood off and take out to the garden. Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask. You do not want to breath in the powder from inside the tube if you accidentally break it.

You may be able to peel back the rubber ends and rock the holder off the tube. In other words, just pull the end connectors off of the tube. Be very careful not to break the tube.

Obviously, only ever replace tubes with the power off. (Unplugged)

If they are the rubber end connectors they will be pull off only anyway.

And lastly, dispose of the old tube responsibly. Take it to your local refuse tip and dispose of in the correct bin.

Regards

PJPJ

 

[raptorrex]

If it is a standard fluorescent tube it will have two straight pins on each end. If this has been in position for a very long time, they could be fused to the holders.

If they are difficult to remove, take the hood off and take out to the garden. Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask. You do not want to breath in the powder from inside the tube if you accidentally break it.

You may be able to peel back the rubber ends and rock the holder off the tube. In other words, just pull the end connectors off of the tube. Be very careful not to break the tube.

Obviously, only ever replace tubes with the power off. (Unplugged)

If they are the rubber end connectors they will be pull off only anyway.

And lastly, dispose of the old tube responsibly. Take it to your local refuse tip and dispose of in the correct bin.

Regards

PJPJ

all i can add to this, excellent, post is. i would change the lighting unit or, at the very least, the power leads from the unit to the tube. last thing you need is water in the light fillings. also heat may help to soften any "old" tube connectors.

 

[lotsabob]

Thank you very much to both of you for responding. I will proceed with caution. I had let the rubber ends an tube cool down (after disconnecting from the mains) before attempting this last night. But yes, some warmth might make the ends more workable, so i'll pop them on a warm radiator before I try again.

I did wonder about a new lighting unit, but it seemed wasteful when this one is still working well...but perhaps if I can just get the leads, so that the ends are new, then that would be best from a safety point of view.

Thanks again!

 

[raptorrex]

but perhaps if I can just get the leads, so that the ends are new, then that would be best from a safety point of view.

Thanks again!

well, for me, I'd change the leads. but it depends on your, confidence/competence. whole ballast units, can be bought for £15