What are tube light starters?

[amylou123]

What are these and what are they for im considering getting a UV tube/heat lamp as its easier for me that a powersun but i dont quite understand the fittingd for them? iv only seen the arcadia thigns for about £25 which have the black box thing and fit on each end of the tube

[Fixx]

Originally Posted by amylou123

What are these and what are they for im considering getting a UV tube/heat lamp as its easier for me that a powersun but i dont quite understand the fittingd for them? iv only seen the arcadia thigns for about £25 which have the black box thing and fit on each end of the tube

The fittings are easy for powersuns Amylou, same as a ceramic fitting or any edison screw bulb.
Tube starters are also known as ballasts, they ensure the tube gets a sufficient 'kick' of power to start the tube.

Like these

Edit, yep the arcadia ones are the ballasts.

[Rainwater]

im selling a tube starter if you need one hunx

[DeanThorpe]

in simple terms.
the tube is the bulb... but you need the thing to light it up and draw power from the mains electricity.
thats what the starter units/ballast boxes are for.