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10/25/2009, 03:53 PM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Nova
Posts: 331
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replacement ballasts
so I have a feeling my ballasts could be on their way out...the lights just don't seem as bright anymore even with new bulbs and they feel really really hot.....I was looking to replace with the same ones but they seem outdated (3.5 years old..is that old for these?) and only one store sells them.
So now I need to know how I go about this....can I replace with any brand or do I need to just buy them from this store because it is cheaper then starting again with a new lighting system or do I do something else at this point? I am running 2 DE 150W 20k...they are two external ballasts it was a complete set from coralife when i bought the tank. TIA for any help..... |
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10/25/2009, 03:59 PM
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#2 |
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One reef to rule them all
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Leominster, MA
Posts: 5,299
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You should be able to replace them with any brand. Do you know if you have electronic or magnetic ballasts? I don't think you mentioned the brand. For an eballast 3.5 years shouldn't be that bad. No experience with magnetics, but they are the older technology.
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"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu! |
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10/25/2009, 04:30 PM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Nova
Posts: 331
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hmmm i have no idea....
they are coralife aqualight 150w DE ballasts...part #53056...it doesn't say on them anywhere..... |
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10/26/2009, 11:21 AM
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#4 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Nova
Posts: 331
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i just found out they are magnetic ballasts...is that good or bad? Is electric better?
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10/26/2009, 11:37 AM
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#5 |
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Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Grove City, Ohio
Posts: 10,806
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If it were me, I'd take a look at the Icecap replacement ballasts. There really is not a better choice, IMO.
You will find that electronic ballasts are more efficient, and will run cooler. I can't speak about their MH ballasts, but the ones I have (660's for my VHO) are by far the most reliable pieces of equipment I own.
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I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer |
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10/26/2009, 11:52 AM
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#6 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Nova
Posts: 331
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so the electric and magnetic are interchangeable then?
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10/26/2009, 12:19 PM
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#7 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 647
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I get my coralife aqualight 250 ballasts and bulbs here: www.marineandreef.com Good prices and service.
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My ship came in. Unfortunately it hit a reef. Current Tank Info: 110 gallon reef display tank, fish, LPS, SPS and mushrooms. A 75 gallon sump in basement with protein skimmer, 40watt UV sterilizer, RO/DI, refugium with chaeto, phosban reactor. 40 gallon frag tank. |
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