Light turns on and off

[halak]

I have seen this phenomenon with two of my fluorescent fixtures. Sometimes they would turn off and then turn back on a few hours or even days later. Once they decide to turn off, I cannot turn them back on, so it's not the timer. The bulbs are good, too. I took one apart and jiggled the wires, but that didn't help either. What might be causing this? One of the fixtures is only five years old. Thanks.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

If the wiring is good, and the blubs are good - maybe its the ballast?

[Aaron]

I would also suspect the ballasts if you're sure the bulbs are good.

[londonloco]

Older fluorescent lights had starters..the little silver can looking thingys. If your fixtures have one of these, it might need to be replaced. A friend of mine has a 45g Oceanic Hex, just last week she was having the same problem. I showed her the starter, she replaced it, which seems to have been the problem. I was surprised her fixture had the starter, I bought her the tank 4 years ago. Just a thought.

[halak]

One of the fixtures has a starter, and I have replaced it in the past, and the problem still keeps happening. That light is over a quarantine/breeding tank, so I am not worried about it. The other fixture (36" with two 30W bulbs) has no starter. I will find a ballast online and order it then. Thanks for all the help.