Lighting problems

[No Worries1979]

I have a 260 watt PC fixture that has been acting up since replacing the bulbs a few weeks ago. The actinics go out after a couple of minutes with the power switch still on. Sometimes I can turn the switch and they will illuminate again, but only for a couple of more minutes. My softies are starting to freak without their usual lighting cycle.

I don't have the cash to upgrade or replace the fixture right now, but I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem? Obviously there is a short somewhere but I don't know if I should deconstruct the whole unit to try to fix it, if possible. Any info is appreciated, thank you.

 

[rbursek]

Try taking the bulbs out and reinstall them, they mabe not in right.

 

[rbursek]

When they are out, put in the old ones and see if it does it with them.

 

[kzooreefer]

i believe this is a ballast problem but not sure how to replace them. you would need to find out what type of ballast is in there and where to get a new one. could be a simple plug in type ballast.

 

[kzooreefer]

i did a little googling and pc balasts aren't cheap. basically a little less than the cost of a new fixture. not like the old fluoresent type lights for fresh water tanks that had a small cheap plug in ballast that was easy to replace.

i'd recheck all the connections to make sure they are all fitting tightly together.