MH Ballasts mistake

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Crimson Ghost, Jan 10, 2009.

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  1. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    I live in the NE and we have been having some cold weather and power interruptions. My buddy called me up to say his power was flickering on and off and his Halides were putting out a bright yellow color that was making his tank “appear cool”.

    ACK ! I told him to kill the ballast and not to turn them on until after the power is restored – too late…ding dong lost one of his three ballasts !! I am surprised all three bulbs are left.

    Moral : If your MH’s are turned off let things cool down before tossing them back on. I think they recommend 1-2 minutes for your bulbs, I personally go 10-15 to be safe.
     
    Crimson Ghost, Jan 10, 2009
    Crimson Ghost, Jan 10, 2009
    #1
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  2. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Very good point. I have my ACIII looks at the power and if it flickers then I shut them down for 20 min to let them cool before they will fire again. Sucks he lost a ballast as it's usually the bulb.
     
    Otty, Jan 10, 2009
    Otty, Jan 10, 2009
    #2
  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Most ballasts have a re-start delay to save the bulbs and ballast. My old Odyssea ballasts suggested a 20-30min wait time before re-starting them. I dont remember if they ever started by themselves, but my IceCap's do. My IceCap's re-start themselves within 3-5 mins after the elec. goes out.

    Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Jan 10, 2009
    lunatik_69, Jan 10, 2009
    #3