I need a 400W mh ballast!!

epidemic · 05-31-2006, 03:07 PM

I bought one used from a member a few months ago and never got it to work. I tried several bulbs and sockets. My only hypothesis is that there is a temp. controlled fuse or shut down mode, because it will fire the bulb, but it shuts down after about 8 minuts.
Sucks to buy something thats broken, but what do you do.

Anyway, I am setting up my tank as we speak (not literally, but more when I get home from work-all week) and I need a 400w ballast. Funds are limited due to rtecent expenditures.
thanks
Derek

dirk griffin · 05-31-2006, 03:12 PM

epidemic · 05-31-2006, 03:47 PM

what, no pm Dirk? What you got?

David Grigor · 05-31-2006, 04:17 PM

I have a spare. It's a sungro ( HQI ). It's not pretty ( an old greenhouse one ) but it does the trick and is enclosed. Currently running 20k XM with the other one like it. I have run Ushio 10ks, Radium 20ks on it in the past.

Don't wont to sell it, but your welcome to borrow or for as long as you like.

epidemic · 05-31-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Grigor

Currently running 20k XM ...

Not really a spare if it is being used?
Well if you mean it I might have to take you up on the offer. I have some sweet zoas I can give you as rent.

I'd like to figure out what is up with the one I just bought. I guess it used to belong to Otolith, so if he knows anything... Knowing he is a stand-up guy, I am sure he wouldn't sell a ballast that he knew had problems.

David Grigor · 05-31-2006, 04:47 PM

Meaning I have two of the ballasts, using only 1 the other is a spare but about to take the frag tank down so I won't have an immediate need for either one.

You can certainly relate, I change my mind often enough don't want to sell only to regret it a year ( or even months ) down the road....

otolith · 05-31-2006, 05:55 PM

I don't think I ever plugged it in after I bought it from Bill.

I ended up buying/acquiring too many ballasts when I was setting up the tank, and I think that is one I sold to Stuckey_T. Not sure why it doesn't work. Maybe try it on a different circuit in the house to see if that makes a difference. Does it trip the circuit itself? Do you have the connectors hooked up to the ballast correctly? I believe it is an eballast from Champion, you may want to send them an email as well.

otolith · 05-31-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epidemic

Knowing he is a stand-up guy, I am sure he wouldn't sell a ballast that he knew had problems.

Correct. LMK if I should read into this any further.

David Grigor · 05-31-2006, 06:08 PM

My experience with the e-ballast. If the bulbs you were trying to fire were used and not new bulbs. The e-ballast may have a hard time with them. If they were new bulbs, sometimes you just have to let the bulb fire and re-fire until the bulbs get broken in. If you haven't done so, also need to check that it's making good connectivity. Sometimes the connectivity is sufficient to fire the bulb but once it gets hot then connectivity fails. First get some bulb lubricant from the hardware store ( cost like $1 ) so you can screw it in smoothly and all the way Also, in the mogul socket ( with the power off of course ) there is an adjustment screw to be sure the end of the bulb makes good contact.

ksarauer · 05-31-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Grigor

Also, in the mogul socket ( with the power off of course ) there is an adjustment screw to be sure the end of the bulb makes good contact.

FYI - You may feel a tingling sensation for some time if you leave the power on.

Also, don't do this immediately after turning off the power, wait 10 min or so, as there may be some residule power left in the balast. (not sure if this applies to a ballast, but I've experienced it on other appliances!

epidemic · 06-01-2006, 08:12 AM

Derek- I wasn't being sarcstic.
David- The bulb does fire, but it only runs about 10 min and then flickers a few times and dies. If I leave it pugged it it re-fires a few minuts after dying.

David Grigor · 06-01-2006, 09:48 AM

Yes, that can happen and still be connectivity issue, or if a new bulb may still need to burn in. I have had that happen before when I purchased some hamilton bulbs years ago and the company walked me through it. I have had 3 e-ballast failures over the years all 3 where it wouldn't fire the bulb at all so encouraging that the ballast will fire it and re-fire.

epidemic · 06-01-2006, 11:35 AM

the bulbs I have are older, like 8 months I think. Perhaps I could try a diff one. Think I could borrow one to try it? If it works I'll just but a new one.

David Grigor · 06-01-2006, 11:59 AM

That could be the issue as well. Electronic ballasts are more tempermental and best to use new bulbs not ones that have previously been run on magnetic ballasts. I don't have any bulbs to use. At 8 months probably close to needing replaced anyhow.

dirk griffin · 06-01-2006, 09:52 PM

Most of you were running 20k Radiums on your e-ballasts, right?