Ballast problem

ccoons43 · 03/11/2008, 08:52 PM

I have a blue wave II dual 175 watt ballast from sunlight supply that I bought used not long ago. After getting new bulbs I noticed that one side is burning brighter than the other. I tried switching the connections to see if it was the bulb and the other is now brighter. There seems to be an issue with one side of the ballast.

I contacted the company and they need the original receipt of purchase fron the original owner to honor the warranty. I contacted the seller last week and he said he would look for it but has not gotton back to me yet.

If he cannot find the receipt can the ballast be easily fixed or I am I better off getting a new ballast. My wife is not keen on the idea of me spending any more money.

What is the best option for me?

Thanks

PaulErik · 03/12/2008, 08:45 AM

Inside the ballast enclosure you will find two capacitors and two ballast coils. Most likely one of the capacitors is operating out of spec. The capacitors in that ballast limit lamp current along with the ballast coil. If the capacitor value is off (out of spec) this will cause a difference in light output and/or color. In cases like this replacing both or one of the capaictors will fix this problem. The manufacturer should be able to supply a replacement capacitor.

ccoons43 · 03/12/2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks for the info.

If I have to do this how hard is it? Can I do it myself?

PaulErik · 03/12/2008, 06:20 PM

If you are comfortable going electrical work itâ€™s pretty easy to replace. You just remove the old capacitor and replace it with a new one. The capacitors inside that ballast are equipped with discharging resistors. You can connect the output wires together (short the wires) from the ballast or the capacitor wires to make sure the capacitor is fully discharged. Just make sure the replacement capacitor is the same spec (voltage and microfarad). If you do not feel comfortable replacing the capacitor any electrician will be able to do it.

dave2184 · 03/12/2008, 07:11 PM

here you go.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=465

ccoons43 · 03/12/2008, 08:00 PM

Thanks For the help Guys. I will ask the electrician in my local club to assist me.

03/11/2008, 08:52 PM	#1
ccoons43 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 141	Ballast problem I have a blue wave II dual 175 watt ballast from sunlight supply that I bought used not long ago. After getting new bulbs I noticed that one side is burning brighter than the other. I tried switching the connections to see if it was the bulb and the other is now brighter. There seems to be an issue with one side of the ballast. I contacted the company and they need the original receipt of purchase fron the original owner to honor the warranty. I contacted the seller last week and he said he would look for it but has not gotton back to me yet. If he cannot find the receipt can the ballast be easily fixed or I am I better off getting a new ballast. My wife is not keen on the idea of me spending any more money. What is the best option for me? Thanks __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display, 20 gal sump, 30 lbs LR, 1X seio 820, 1X seio 620, 1x Koralia #3, 1x Koralia #4, 2x 175W Halides W/ Ushio 20 K, 4x 55W PC's, Mated Pair of Ocelleris Clowns, 1 Cromis, LPS, SPS Frags

03/12/2008, 05:47 PM	#3
ccoons43 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 141	Thanks for the info. If I have to do this how hard is it? Can I do it myself? __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display, 20 gal sump, 30 lbs LR, 1X seio 820, 1X seio 620, 1x Koralia #3, 1x Koralia #4, 2x 175W Halides W/ Ushio 20 K, 4x 55W PC's, Mated Pair of Ocelleris Clowns, 1 Cromis, LPS, SPS Frags

03/12/2008, 07:11 PM	#5
dave2184 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Girard, Oh. Posts: 2,549	here you go. http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=465 __________________ -Dave- "Oh ya - I missed one important point. There are other ways to deal with phosphates like phosphate sponges, but it's kind of like trying to fan the stink off a dead skunk." -looser

03/12/2008, 08:00 PM	#6
ccoons43 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 141	Thanks For the help Guys. I will ask the electrician in my local club to assist me. __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon Display, 20 gal sump, 30 lbs LR, 1X seio 820, 1X seio 620, 1x Koralia #3, 1x Koralia #4, 2x 175W Halides W/ Ushio 20 K, 4x 55W PC's, Mated Pair of Ocelleris Clowns, 1 Cromis, LPS, SPS Frags

03/12/2008, 08:45 AM	#2
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	Inside the ballast enclosure you will find two capacitors and two ballast coils. Most likely one of the capacitors is operating out of spec. The capacitors in that ballast limit lamp current along with the ballast coil. If the capacitor value is off (out of spec) this will cause a difference in light output and/or color. In cases like this replacing both or one of the capaictors will fix this problem. The manufacturer should be able to supply a replacement capacitor.

03/12/2008, 06:20 PM	#4
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	If you are comfortable going electrical work itâ€™s pretty easy to replace. You just remove the old capacitor and replace it with a new one. The capacitors inside that ballast are equipped with discharging resistors. You can connect the output wires together (short the wires) from the ballast or the capacitor wires to make sure the capacitor is fully discharged. Just make sure the replacement capacitor is the same spec (voltage and microfarad). If you do not feel comfortable replacing the capacitor any electrician will be able to do it.