Actinics Flicker On and Off

[ReefTank1]

On my 220 gallon SPS tank I have 3 60" VHO Actinic bulbs on an IceCap Ballast. I have had the bulbs for a year. Recently they stopped turning on with their usual timer. When I unplug and then plug them in, they flicker on for a second and then turn off. I thought it was unlikely that all three bulbs died at the same time... so I'm thinking it might be a ballast or wiring problem? What do you think is wrong here?

Thanks for your help!

 

[gveng]

On my 220 gallon SPS tank I have 3 60" VHO Actinic bulbs on an IceCap Ballast. I have had the bulbs for a year. Recently they stopped turning on with their usual timer. When I unplug and then plug them in, they flicker on for a second and then turn off. I thought it was unlikely that all three bulbs died at the same time... so I'm thinking it might be a ballast or wiring problem? What do you think is wrong here?

Thanks for your help!

only way to know for sure is to replace at least one bulb, since you already need to replace them anyways. if the new bulb turns on fine, it was the bulbs, if the new bulb continues to flicker, its the ballast.

 

[t4zalews]

I had a similar problem with my T5's. They sometimes would come on..sometimes they wouldnt. If they didnt turn on, I'd wiggle them and they would fire right up. I bought a new ballast and rewired them. They work perfect now. I'd say that your problem is with the ballast or the wiring. I'd rewire the unit and if the problem continues...replace the ballast.

 

[125G Reefer]

Ballast.