T5 Ballast stuck in the on position

[jrossjr79]

Went to turn my blues off on my tank, but it wouldnt turn off. I put the switch in the off position. But instead of hearing a click and the switch staying put, it slowly went back to the on position. Lights never turned off. End up having to turn the switch off at the power strip.

Anyone have any clues why this was, or a way for me to fix it?

[Oilers7134]

Sounds like you have a bad switch.

[jrossjr79]

Any quick fix, or do I need a new ballast?



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[Oilers7134]

You don't need a ballast you probably just need a new switch for the light. Check with the company you bought the light from to see about getting a new switch. If you have a meter you can check the old switch just to make sure. It definitely sounds like the switch is bad to me though.

[jrossjr79]

The switch is on the ballast though.

[Oilers7134]

Oh I didn't know that. Is it possible to open it up to take the switch out?

[jrossjr79]

I haveit mounted on my stand in the back, little hard to get to, but if I remember correctly its held together with 4 rivets

[Oilers7134]

Somehow your gonna have to get to it to be able to replace it. It's either that or if you can install a new switch on the cord somewhere and bypass that switch.

[jrossjr79]

I could try that, with bypassing the switch and just work with a corded switch. Thanks

[Oilers7134]

No problem. Glad I could help

[350gt]

You manually turn your lights on and off?

[alton]

Sounds like a good time to buy a controller?

[350gt]

Sounds like a good time to buy a controller?

Exactly where i was going...

I remember not knowing any better and having to flick lights on a off manually, what a headache and a recipe for disaster. I then tried the bulky ol school timers, although they worked, i had a few get stuck and lights sometimes stayed on or didnt go out..... Tossed those in the garbage.

A controller was one of the best investments in the hobby for me.... My tank is on cruise control most of the time.... I check in every so often but have gone days with out checking on the equipment, over a week during the summer while at disney world..

The fact that it controls my ATO, heater, lights, etc.. and tells them when to go on or off is worth every penny dropped on it.

[jrossjr79]

I will be getting a controller must not yet. Hopefully soon

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[BBQHILLBILLY]

Its a manly kinda thing to wan to turn off your light, these folks get all lazy with them controllers.
np I still hit the switch too:bigsmile:good thing theres a bunch of timers in the christmas section at lowes

[jrossjr79]

I dont trust those clock and wind timers, I have one for my christmas decoration that I dont use. Was thinking either going for a digital timer for the lights, or just hold off till I get my LEDs. The LEDs I am getting have it where I can program the lights.

[350gt]

Its a manly kinda thing to wan to turn off your light, these folks get all lazy with them controllers.
np I still hit the switch too:bigsmile:good thing theres a bunch of timers in the christmas section at lowes

Lazy is right!..... Piece of mind as well....

Nothing like coming home to a tank that had a mechanical timer seize up on the on position....

Had it happen a couple of times.... Thats when i realized.... There is no CHEAP way in this hobby for me.... I want it all digital and dependable, thats why just about everything has been replaced by such products..

Next is tank and stand.....