Equipment - Ballast trouble

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Ballast trouble

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13310
Printed Date: October 05 2025 at 9:17pm
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Topic: Ballast trouble

Posted By: Yozhik
Subject: Ballast trouble
Date Posted: July 25 2006 at 1:01am

I run a 10k 400 w metal Halide and I came home tonight to a bulb that was not working. I tried to remove the bulb and it broke, (don't worry the bulb was cool). I replaced it and thought it might have been just the bulb, but when I put in the new bulb it came on, got to it brightest peak and then turned itself off. is this a problem with the bulb or the ballast? The ballast is a pulse start and is a mogul socket and bulb.

I have only had the ballast for about 6 months with it working perfectly, any ideas on what is wrong with it. Thanks, Ryan

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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke 1729-1797
Ryan Murdock
Saratoga Springs
90 gal
12 gal seahorse tank

Replies:

Posted By: Yozhik
Date Posted: July 25 2006 at 12:22pm

bump

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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke 1729-1797
Ryan Murdock
Saratoga Springs
90 gal
12 gal seahorse tank

Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: July 25 2006 at 12:29pm

Is it an Icecap ballast?

If not, I'm no help.

Adam

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Come to a meeting, they�re fun!

Posted By: bbeck4x4
Date Posted: July 25 2006 at 5:59pm

the capacitor sounds like it is causing the problem, if it is a magnetic balast.

if it is a electronic, you most likely will have to have it repaired or replaced.

I have a 400 watt mh magnetic ballast that I think is ok(no 400 watt bulbs to test it with) if you want to try and swap parts around.

Faulty Capacitor

To check capacitor, disconnect and discharge it. Then, using an ohmmeter, set to the highest scale, check for faults, 1) if meter reads low resistance initially and increases, capacitor is good. 2) if meter reads low resistance initially and remains the same, the capacitor is SHORTED and should be replaced. 3) if meter reads high resistance initially and remains the same, the capacitor is OPEN and should be replaced.

Brian

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