Lights out!!

Got up this a.m. and it's white lights are out. Changed all 4 bulbs last night and I think they were working fine. But now that I think about it, maybe not. I thought they looked a little dim but figured it was the new coral plus I added. Guess not.

This is the AquaticLife 4x24w t5ho. It has digital switch with 3 settings. Number 1 setting is the one that's out and it's also the one I use to run the whites.

I thought that maybe I got a couple bad bulbs. Switched em back out for the new/older ones and when I turned it on, 1 bulb blinked but did not remain on. The other did nothing. Tried it again, switching back to the new bulbs. Turned it on and the one blinked again but didn't remain on.

Is this a possible ballast issue? One other question. I can run 2x bulbs but how long am I looking at before my corals start to feel the pinch? I'm running 1x aquablue special 12k and 1x blue plus. Or should I run 2x white and forget about the blue for now?

 

Sounds like a ballast problem to me since the bulb comes on for a sec but isn't staying lit.

Realistically most coral can live without light as long as it has flow and particulate food. It won't look the greatest when you get your lights fixed but it will bounce back with TLC and time.

 

Starving your coral a few days light will not kill them.

Even a standard house lighting bulb will allow them very limited nutrients. BUT I would offer as much temperary lighting as possible even if its not full spectrum. I once had a ballast go bad and it took 3 weeks to get a new one. I lit a 55gal tank with 3 100w incandesents (lizard lights clip ons)

I am not familiar with your light fixture, but you have to be careful when upgrading bulbs that you don't go over the ballast wattage capacities. It does sound like a ballast issue.

 

Thank You guys!!! No I didn't go over wattage. All bulbs are 24w

 

Hey NANA sounds like you got great advice...I would have stoped at the bulbs and started pulling my hair out lol kit

 

Update: Aquaticlife rocks!! New ballast on it's way without being charged a penny Even though my 1 year warranty had expired!!! Gotta love great customer service!!!

 

Sweet congrats