Blinking light-Help!

[kvv711]

I have an aquaspace light with MH and antinics. Today when I plugged in the lights, the antinics (florcent) were both blinking. The lights are about 15months old.
Any Ideas?
Thanks

 

[dogstar]

Check the bulb pins where they plug into the sockets. May be corrosion from salt.

 

[dmc888]

Probably should change them out since most recommend to change pc bulbs every six months.
Surprised they lasted that long.
Either bad connection or bulb is my guess.

 

[vtecbro007]

i heard change yearly,..every six months is rediculous

 

[dmc888]

Haven't changed mine out yet , Every post about replacement i see is 6 months, for a FO it wouldn't matter.

 

[kvv711]

Just wondering if it is the bulbs or the light.

 

[dmc888]

A voltage meter would be handy. Simple ac voltage test on the harness and a continuity test on the bulb.
Cost about 20 bucks. I use it for my car mostly.

 

[reefraff]

If your lamps are PC some ballasts (fulham in particular) have an end of life detection circuit that will cause the lamps to flash once they are worn out. The older a PC lamp gets the more current they can draw so Fulham uses that circuit to prevent the ballast or wiring from being damaged by excess current. I assume other use a similar circuit. Got the info from the Fulham website a while back.