Blown PC ballast

shock · 03-21-2003, 09:29 PM

Is anyone familiar with PC ballasts? I came home to find my power out and my PC lights kaput. My tank is fine but now I think I need to replace one of the ballasts and possibly two lights. I'm not much with wiring stuff, but I don't suppose it's too hard.

The ballast powered two 36w bulbs (straight pin if that matters). Do I need to order a new one online or can I find one locally?

Any help would be appreciated. My corals probably won't like living under a single 15W NO flourescent for very long.

-Shock

AquaticCo · 03-22-2003, 08:26 PM

What kind of light system do you have? How old is it? Do you know what kind of ballast you have?

I can pobably help with this information

Doug

shock · 03-22-2003, 08:53 PM

I found out some more info. The bulbs are fine, the ballast is shot (as I figured). The ballast is rated to run two 36w bulbs (PL 36 if I remember correctly). On the ballast there is a diagram and some info. The label said, "KMB Electronic Ballast". It is pretty small... small enough to fit inside the light fixture. I'd say it's a little larger than a pack of cigarettes.

There are red and black wires connecting into the ballast and two endcaps are connected on the other side. There are some more numbers on the ballast that I didn't write down. Lastly, the power cord from the wall connects into the fixture (near the on/off switch) and I believe first enters the other ballast, then is connected somehow from there. The red and black wires run the length of the fixture from the other side underneath the reflector.

The fixture is about 2 years old. There is no manufacturer name on it -- it's not made by one of the mainstream brands. I *think* it is either made by Aqua Clear Aquatics or maybe Catalina Aquarium. The whole fixture supports 4 bulbs, 2x36w and 2x18w. The configuration looks like:

---------- -----
---------- -----

Hope this info will shed some light.

AquaticCo · 03-23-2003, 07:22 PM

I will look to see what I can find for you tommorow my folks are in town today. Sorry for the delay

Doug

shock · 03-23-2003, 09:39 PM

Thanks, Doug. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

AquaticCo · 03-24-2003, 09:58 PM

Shock,

I was unable to find a cross reference in my catalogs but these guys should be able to help. I have wattages all around you but could not find anything for 36" watts.

Good Luck

Doug

http://www.1000bulbs.com/default.asp

shock · 03-24-2003, 10:46 PM

Doug,

I'm 90% certain the light fixture I have is made by Aqua Clear Aquariums. I've contacted them about getting a replacement ballast -- they don't usually deal with the public so I'm not sure if they will help me or not. It's entirely possible that my ballast was for 2x32w -- I was using it to drive two 36w bulbs; could that have contributed to the problem? I always thought it was okay to "under-drive" a light.

I appreciate your help and I'll follow up with 1000bulbs.com if I don't have any luck with Aqua Clear.

AquaticCo · 03-25-2003, 07:11 AM

If you want me to contact them let me know being a business and all. If so, send me a PM and I will call them today. I don't think under driving the ballast caused the problem.

Doug

JennM · 03-25-2003, 07:26 AM

I saw the folks from Aqua Clear over the weekend. I can either contact them directly or through my distributor. Just drop me a line or give me a call (link in my signature line) and I can help you out.

Cheers,

Jenn

shock · 03-27-2003, 08:29 AM

I was able to contact Aqua Clear and they're going to send me a replacement ballast. Thanks to all who helped along the way.