Uv Tube problem

2steps · 29-03-2011, 08:14 PM

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?

yuna1971 · 29-03-2011, 08:27 PM

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.

**16 shells** · 29-03-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2steps

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?

Also check the white starter part in the power unit/tranformer, this may need replacing depending on how old the power unit is.

**Alan1** · 30-03-2011, 08:36 AM

or a wiring problem. sometimes a loose wire in the plug. whatever it is, the least likely thing it will be is the bulb

2steps · 30-03-2011, 11:03 AM

Thank you, will try those. That's good to know

it's about a year old

Kirkie · 30-03-2011, 11:28 AM

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.

wigwamman · 30-03-2011, 12:04 PM

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.

**Alan1** · 30-03-2011, 03:29 PM

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

2steps · 30-03-2011, 03:30 PM

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

**Alan1** · 30-03-2011, 03:36 PM

it will be okay, just like a couple of rainy days in the wild

29-03-2011, 08:14 PM	#1
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	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?

29-03-2011, 08:27 PM	#2
yuna1971 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bristol Posts: 7,157	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. __________________ Rach Lily's Movie. http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=68025

30-03-2011, 08:36 AM	#4
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	or a wiring problem. sometimes a loose wire in the plug. whatever it is, the least likely thing it will be is the bulb

30-03-2011, 11:03 AM	#5
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	Thank you, will try those. That's good to know it's about a year old

30-03-2011, 11:28 AM	#6
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	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.

30-03-2011, 12:04 PM	#7
wigwamman Member Juvenile Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: west midlands Posts: 800	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.

30-03-2011, 03:29 PM	#8
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	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

30-03-2011, 03:30 PM	#9
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	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

30-03-2011, 03:36 PM	#10
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	it will be okay, just like a couple of rainy days in the wild

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