Metal Halide ballast replacement?

menelaus22 · 01-16-2006, 11:43 AM

I bought a metal halide from aquatraders.com. I was pretty impressed with it's performance to date and the corals have been growing like crazy.

Then, the ballast broke. The MH won't turn on, but the actinics work fine. I tried increasing the size of the fuse on the ballast, but they just burn right up.

So, does anyone know what kind of ballast to buy as a replacement?

menelaus22 · 01-16-2006, 04:46 PM

or perhaps how I could figure out what ballast to get as a replacement. Since it's a 150w double ended bulb, can I just get any 150w ballast as a replacement?

Is there any more affordable way to get a ballast that can handle this bulb? The ones specifcally designed for reef tanks seem to be kind of overpriced in general.

Geoff · 01-16-2006, 05:10 PM

are you sure it is not the bulb? ballasts are the same for the type and wattage. can you get to the ballast? could you post a pic of the ballast? this will let us know exactly what kind ballast you need.

BTW- do not increase a size of a fuse for a device. this is a good way to start a fire!!!

G~

Wiskey · 01-16-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoff

BTW- do not increase a size of a fuse for a device. this is a good way to start a fire!!!

Sound advice, only use the rated fuse, or you could be sorry. If it is blowing a fuse there is a bigger problem.

Whiskey

Hogan · 01-16-2006, 07:51 PM

I would check the wiring and check the bulb. Does this thing have a warranty.

menelaus22 · 01-17-2006, 01:13 AM

it was one of those really cheap models that you hear about from time to time called odyssea. I really like the thing.... but wouldn't reccomend it to anyone. It's broken twice on me now within a year. I feel bad because I used to reccomend them to everyone!

lesson learned! buy the good stuff the first time and save some serious aggrivation. I just wish someone would make some affordable quality stuff.