PLEASE help with my lighting problem

djquixotic · 03-27-2005, 06:02 PM

So I JUST set up my first tank 20gal tall 20 lbs live rock and 20 lbs live sand 250w Mh light 14 inches away from the tank. 10K bulb from PLUS. I am having two problems:

The light powers on (via timer) runs for about 2 hours and trips my GFCI outlet

Plug the light into a NON-GFCI outlet and runs for about the same time and just shuts off (ballast stops humming and no light)

Not sure what to do bought the light on E-bay for $90.00 + shipping the seller was reputable had 99% positive feedback not once in the 2 years of feedback did I see anyone say anything about bad product. (description read new batwing reflector, new 10k 250 bulb,and all new ballast guts in refurbished housing) got product plugged in everything worked fine. New protective plastic on reflector, sealed bulb, ballast housing even looked brand new.

I set the tank up last night at about 7:00PM light shut off at 12:00AM (5 hours) and this didn’t happen. Then today I got home around the light was on until 2:15PM and the light had turned on just fine. Two hours later it went out and I was having the problem.

The tank is in my basement about 5 feet from the breaker box the GFCI outlet is about 3 inches from the box so I know its not dirty power because it has its own 20 amp breaker.

The light only pulls 2amps and then I got 2 maxi-Jet pumps on it also.

Any Ideas?

Minneapolis NOOB in the dark

djquixotic · 03-27-2005, 09:35 PM

anyone? PLEASE!!!!!

wanareef · 03-28-2005, 04:48 AM

I would email the seller - there's a problem in the ballast but not sure what it is. Especially is it trip the breaker after 2 hrs. Usually if there is something wrong it'll trip immediatly. Maybe it takes 2 hrs to get up to temperture and then shorts somewhere. Sorry can't be anymore help. i have not ordered anything for the tank from E-bay, rather have it from a retutable e-tailor. just me

tims · 03-28-2005, 06:00 AM

i agree .. sounds like something is wrong once it get nice and hot. or rather too hot..

Loverotties · 03-28-2005, 06:11 AM

I think it's the ballast,but e-mail the guy.Is there any fans?maybe there not working.

VWD · 03-28-2005, 06:33 AM

I agree with everyone here on that it may is most likely the ballast, I like to stick to the electronic ballast, otherwise You pull too much current and they get very hot . I hope You can get it working

Vince

djquixotic · 03-30-2005, 12:41 AM

So it turns out it was the timer

go figure the ballast is fine

VWD · 03-30-2005, 06:57 AM

Well that good for You, alot less touble to replace that,

Vince