So, When Your Light Flashes ...

[This Old Spouse]

but never quite comes on, does that mean the ballast is shot? Or the bulb?

 

[lee420]

Bulb

But if its not getting enough juice (ballast or outlet) it can do the same but 99% chance its the bulb

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Or the starter motor......but probably the bulb.

 

[This Old Spouse]

When I pulled it off the hood, the ballast was kind of flashing, too, which is why I wondered.

 

[frapadoodle]

Start with the bulb.

 

[lee420]

When I pulled it off the hood, the ballast was kind of flashing, too, which is why I wondered.

What do you mean by the ballast flashing, like sparking?

 

[This Old Spouse]

No, not sparking, just flashing like it's trying to kick in but doesn't quite "catch." I just tried to take a video, and of course it came on like nothing was wrong. 

 

[lee420]

It should definately be the bulb then. My work is full of flouresent lights and they will do exaxtly that, not work, then work and then just stop completely

 

[This Old Spouse]

Thanks. I was afraid of that. I might have been able to cannibalize another fixture, but I can't afford to replace the unusual-size bulb. 

 

[frapadoodle]

Wow, how much are they? I can find most any size for les than $20, less than $10 if I go generic, which may not be a 'plant' bulb, but works in a pinch.

 

[This Old Spouse]

It's a 24-inch bulb, which they don't even carry in town. I'd have to order it online. Probably not too expensive, but I have NO money right now.
 
So, how do I figure out how many lumens I need? I have a 29g that's 24 inches tall and never seems to get enough light. Between the light needs and fertilizer needs, I'm lost ...

 

[frapadoodle]

I am well aquainted with No money. He's a constant companion. Him and the Bill family, especially, Unexpected.
As for lumens, well it's another language to me. I only have half lights at present, as only half the tank is lit, and with an old fixture.
I always go for if the plants grow, it's enough light.

 

[techen]

By the way, It wont be the ballast flashing. The starter can light up and if it keeps flashing it's more likely the bulb if not the starter too.

 

[This Old Spouse]

The white cylindrical thingy is what kept flashing. Is that the starter?

 

[techen]

That would be the starter yea, Mines sometimes does that when its trying to start the bulb up.