-=James=-
03-15-2010, 04:13 AM
Hey guys, im having some problems with my setup and hopefully someone can help me. I bought my system used and it has a custom setup. Im not too knowledgeable on lighting so any help would be great. Im sure the solution is really simple (like replacing the broken unit) but I would like some feedback before I do anything.
So the setup is 4 48" T5 bulbs with 2 ballasts. Sometimes when I open/close my canopy, the 2 front bulbs would shimmer and turn off but with some wiggling, theyll come back on. I think the 2 front ones do that because they are both connected the same ballast and if one bulb is not conencted, neither turn on. This happens occasionally; but thats not really the problem.
So I took apart my bulb today because the 2 front ones wouldnt turn on and tried to wiggle it around but wouldnt turn on. I then found one side (not sure what this part is called) is a little melted but it still lit the bulb when in contact. I tried to fit the bulb back into the socket after I removed it then saw FIRE inside the socket thing. (By the way, the black socket thing was already burnt before it lit on fire)
SO....how would I go about fixing this problem? Im not sure on what parts to buy/ where to buy or what to get so it would be great if you guys could chime in. Here are some pics to help.
Thanks
Right side BURNT
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0529.jpg
Left side
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0530.jpg
Ballasts
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0527.jpg
So the setup is 4 48" T5 bulbs with 2 ballasts. Sometimes when I open/close my canopy, the 2 front bulbs would shimmer and turn off but with some wiggling, theyll come back on. I think the 2 front ones do that because they are both connected the same ballast and if one bulb is not conencted, neither turn on. This happens occasionally; but thats not really the problem.
So I took apart my bulb today because the 2 front ones wouldnt turn on and tried to wiggle it around but wouldnt turn on. I then found one side (not sure what this part is called) is a little melted but it still lit the bulb when in contact. I tried to fit the bulb back into the socket after I removed it then saw FIRE inside the socket thing. (By the way, the black socket thing was already burnt before it lit on fire)
SO....how would I go about fixing this problem? Im not sure on what parts to buy/ where to buy or what to get so it would be great if you guys could chime in. Here are some pics to help.
Thanks
Right side BURNT
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0529.jpg
Left side
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0530.jpg
Ballasts
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb43/philong_trac/72%20Gal%20SW%20Bowfront/IMG_0527.jpg