Coralife Aqualight won't turn on

[plecoperson]

This is the second time it's happened, the first time to my 30" light and this time to my 48" light. They are both single-light fixtures, straight pin. The 48" has two CF bulbs in it.

With the 30" I took it apart to see if I could find a loose connection, corrosion, anything that looked wrong-no luck. I ended up buying a new one. The only thing I can think of is maybe the ballast, but I don't think I can replace that myself. In fact, I'm not sure whether there is just one ballast or two in the fixture.

Any ideas of what the problem could be? I will call their support line tomorrow (closed for the day) but it's been dark for a couple days in my 75...Any suggestions appreciated!

[jsoong]

You did try changing the bulbs, right? <If the 48" has 2 CF bulbs, you might need to change both bulbs. Some lights are wired in series & if one bulb is bad, both won't light.>

It is most likely a connection problem. you need to check all the wires/connections with an ohm-meter. <I am sure you know to unplug the lamp first before you take it apart .... Fluorescent ballasts put out HIGH voltages!> Also check that you have power going to the lamp - plug something else in the socket to make sure it works.

I don't know how to test a ballast short of swapping it with another one. <I've never have a ballast failure & I have fluorescent fixtures all over the house, some going back 20+ years.>