T5 Lighting Problems w/ pics
 

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/b...t/IMG_0529.jpg

Left side
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...t/IMG_0530.jpg

Ballasts
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...t/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...t/IMG_0527.jpg

You're going to need to replace that socket. While you're at it, insepct all the others too. They should look clean, without any corrosion.

What happened to you was the contacts on the socket (or bulb) got corroded and made a high-resistance connection. This in turn created heat, which melted the socket.

You'll need to find a replacement socket or sockets and the wire them in. I can't tell you where you'd buy something like that though as I'm fairly new to the hobby and haven't learnt all the haunts just yet. I'm sure someone will pipe in and tell you where they can be found.

I'm sure you. Could find them on eBay

Thanks guys.

One more thing...how long could I have the lights off without affecting my fish/corals? The actinics work (blue and purple bulbs) but not the 2 white bulbs.

Swap out the purple one and put in a white one. I would think your coral would be fine for upto a week, unless you have some real delicate stuff in there.

+1 on that one

Haha thanks. Wow I should of thought of that.