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View Full Version : T5 Retrofit Question


Techknowledgy
04-30-2009, 12:27 PM
I have two T5 retros over my tank. They have for 2 years worked just fine. Recently, one set started to flash, on and off, then today won't go on at all. If I wiggle connectors etc they flash on and then go off again. Is my ballast dead or is it something else? I am pretty good at DIY, but I am no electrician. Any help/experience/guidance is appreciated. Thanks!
LotsaFishies
04-30-2009, 12:54 PM
Mine have done that it times past as well. If I remember correctly I had one dead bulb somewhere....
nahtanoj
04-30-2009, 01:14 PM
i had a 2 bulb fixture do the same thing. it was a bad bulb.
benzeeno
04-30-2009, 01:32 PM
Yes. Bad bulb. I have extra 2 lamp ballast for 54 W HO T5. $20 each.
diegoluv
04-30-2009, 01:32 PM
I have the same problem but with PC's. You wouldnt think it is the bulb because it is coming on but it is. I changed the bulb and it worked great after that.

To test it, try changing the bulb that works well with the retro that is intermittent and see if it stays on. If it does, you know it's the bulb, if not, move down the line i.e. end caps until you find the culprit.
Techknowledgy
04-30-2009, 02:15 PM
Changed the bulbs to old ones that had outlived their lifespan. They worked fine when they were removed. Same problem. Looks like it may be further down (up?) the line then.
diegoluv
04-30-2009, 02:21 PM
so now swap out the end caps with the ones that are working well and see if it corrects it or you still have the same problem.
diegoluv
04-30-2009, 05:22 PM
so...what happened?
benzeeno
05-01-2009, 11:41 AM
Check for any poor connections (loose wires, wet, corroded, unplugged).
jason142
05-01-2009, 11:56 AM
I had the same problem before and it was the ballast. My fixture is the coralife 48" retrofit.
CruiseX
05-01-2009, 04:46 PM
roland had the same problem - got new bulbs and they went out. What i came to find is that not all bulbs are fully compatible with every t-5 fixture. For example I have sun light supply ballasts and when I went to Current USA bulbs it burned right through them - not sure why though. Try changing out bulb brand before you start doing mad scientist electrical stuff. I have catalina bulbs now and they work 4.0 with my setup.