Lights Not Working?

[locust267]

I've seen the pinned topic but not sure I'm technical enough to have a go?? I originally posted in DIY but that's probably the wrong section for a quick reply.

Anyway, I'm newly returned to the forum and just about to clear and recycle my juwel 260 bow front, and just turned the lights on, for two seconds and then they turned off.

Now I'm guessing it could just be the lights, but dont fancy spending a fortune only to find it is the bar.

The reason why I'm doubting the light bar, is before I shut the tank down in January, the lights kept randomly turning off and flickering? Does this sound like lights or bar?

Where can I source cheap lights to test? Will normal flors do from b&q?

I've also lost loads of other stuff so off to get a new siphon and some sand later, so really would appreciate keeping the refurb cost down, any cheap ideas on lighting appreciated (I have plants in there, but they have survived without lighting since January so I'm happy for cheap lights for the time being).

Cheers

Vicki

*edit - I have removed both lights, they both seem a bit black at one end - One more that the other. However when I put both of them back in (on their own) and turn the light unit on, the light comes on for less than one second before turning off again. Exactly the same with both bulbs. Going to fish store in a bit so would love if anyone has any knowledge on lights.

 

[Mowbz]

Could just be your starters, if theyre not the newer style built in ones. Do you have some small (probably white) round cyclinders sticking out of the light bar or on the ballast unit? If so, give it a twist and pull and it will come out. Theres no way for someone without elec expereience to test it, but if you put a good one in and it works fine, your done

You'll be able to get them pretty much anywhere (i bought my last two from Tesco for £2). Will likely have 4-68w on the side.

Hope this helps!

 

[locust267]

These: http/www.lyco.co.uk/Lyco-Fluorescent-Starter.aspx

Cant see them anywhere

 

[Aqua Tom]

Its your tubes.

 

[Mowbz]

These: http/www.lyco.co.uk/Lyco-Fluorescent-Starter.aspx

Cant see them anywhere

Yup, thats them, if you cant see them you likely have electronic starters built in. In this case i would revert to the above, its likely the tubes. If its not, the only other thing it could be is the ballast unit, which would be a bit harsh, but they can be replaced.

Check your tubes and pop back

 

[locust267]

These: http/www.lyco.co.uk/Lyco-Fluorescent-Starter.aspx

Cant see them anywhere

Yup, thats them, if you cant see them you likely have electronic starters built in. In this case i would revert to the above, its likely the tubes. If its not, the only other thing it could be is the ballast unit, which would be a bit harsh, but they can be replaced.

Check your tubes and pop back

It was one of the tubes LFS tested for me. Starters are built in so maybe not so good for future reference

Thanks for advice

Vicki