29-03-2011, 08:14 PM | #1 |
Member
Egg
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 74
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Uv Tube problem
My tortoise's uv tube has started turning on and off by itself, it goes not quite off and then one end turns on and then the rest quickly filckers on, then it starts over again. is it broken?
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29-03-2011, 08:27 PM | #2 |
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Adult
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Bristol
Posts: 7,157
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Switch off at the mains and perhaps check that the prongs are firmly placed in the holders. The bracket holders are the plasticcy type ends that the tube prongs go in. This can sometimes cause flickering if they are not in properly. Or... Perhaps it's a fuse problem in the plug...?
A few things to try. |
29-03-2011, 08:36 PM | #3 |
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Also check the white starter part in the power unit/tranformer, this may need replacing depending on how old the power unit is.
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Paul. |
30-03-2011, 08:36 AM | #4 |
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or a wiring problem. sometimes a loose wire in the plug. whatever it is, the least likely thing it will be is the bulb
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30-03-2011, 11:03 AM | #5 |
Member
Egg
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Lincolnshire
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Thank you, will try those. That's good to know it's about a year old
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30-03-2011, 11:28 AM | #6 |
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It could also be that the tube is nearing the end of it's useful life. A tube will be emitting very little UVB after a year with constant daily use. Worth replacing it.
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30-03-2011, 12:04 PM | #7 |
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Juvenile
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Location: west midlands
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after 12 months its a good idea to change the tube,replace the starter also as a matter of course.you can then forget it for another 12 months.
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30-03-2011, 03:29 PM | #8 |
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some of them recommend 6 months. if you get a new one and it does the same then it will be the starter or wiring likely
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30-03-2011, 03:30 PM | #9 |
Member
Egg
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 74
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Ah ok I changed the starter and checked the fitting and plug but it's still the same. There is a dark coloured patch at one end of the tube today too. Will it hurt that I can't get a new one until tomorrow? One end of the tortoise table is under a window. But with it flickering it means it's not been on constantly today so could be a whole day without
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30-03-2011, 03:36 PM | #10 |
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it will be okay, just like a couple of rainy days in the wild
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