Dagnabbed Flourescent Bulbs...

[Monte20]

I just built a DIY lighting shelf. i have a 48" shoplight with 2 t12 40w bulb. for now just run of the mill full spectrum white light (GE brand). after a couple hours of burning the bulbs will dim and looks like the stuff inside moves around. weird looking, i think its called snaking. anythoughts on this? i dont want to replace the fixture if possible. on a good note the plants have brightened up since i added the light. co2 about 25-30 ppm. i also rig my old 15W lamps over the tank for an extra 30 w of light while im at work. so a good 2wpg for about 6 hours a day (give or take for the larger lights dimming, grrrrr..). tips?

 

[Monte20]

1 bump. just in case.

 

[Themuleous]

Cant help you there im afraid

 

[Fish'InMN]

Cant help you there im afraid

Not sure why you posted then?

Snaking is sometimes just a sign of the bulbs breaking in, though it doesn't sound like it in your case. Make sure the bulbs are rotated into the correct position, and that there are no loose endcaps/mounts. If this does not change the snaking and dimming, you may want to try leaving the fixture running for 24 hours or so. This would require removing it from the aquarium though.

HTH, your plants will appreciate it!
Marty

 

[Monte20]

i had a bad ballast. took that fixure back and cot a new/ different one. tremendous difference. not i go the full 80w for a 55 gallon. i still place my old lamps on the hood for a few hours a day. an extra 30 w.