Bulb replacement

[calida]

Hi eveyone. Quick q: how do you know when your laser bulb needs replacing. Mine has literally just stopped working. Its pretty dirty looking. Any other clues?

[komatias]

Dirty? Got green algae living in the tube? If so then you will need to replace it. The water you run through the tube must be deionised and also have a bit of antifreeze for good measure.

You can try flushing through with bleach but chances are the tube is toast.

When a tube dies, it usually makes a fizzing sound like it is losing air, the intensity is dramatically reduced and finally stops working.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UyqTSe0tMs