Issue with MH lights

L98-Z · 01/04/2009, 03:06 PM

This could also be an issue with the reef controller...

I'm currently using 3 250W MH ballast and bulbs. Ballasts are Icecap (new versions) and the bulbs are 12k coralvues.

First odd thing is that one of the bulbs lost it's somewhat blueish tint. This occurred after only a couple of months. So, I assumed the bulb was changing so I put another bulb in its place....it did the same. So the bulb doesn't appear to be the issue?

Second problem is that the bulbs randomly turn off. Sometimes more often than other times. They turn back on after a few minutes. I was thinking it was a excessive heat problem but I'm capable of touching the ballasts without being too hot. Is this common?

tufacody · 01/04/2009, 03:22 PM

Some change in bulb tint is normal, especially in cheaper bulbs.

However the random on/off is not. Either your controller is programmed funky, you have a poor connection somewhere, or your ballasts are over heating. Bad MH ballasts can be dangerous, so figure it out asap.

L98-Z · 01/04/2009, 03:23 PM

Thanks, I'll check up on it.

01/04/2009, 03:06 PM	#1
L98-Z Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Warner Robins, Georgia Posts: 1,230	Issue with MH lights This could also be an issue with the reef controller... I'm currently using 3 250W MH ballast and bulbs. Ballasts are Icecap (new versions) and the bulbs are 12k coralvues. First odd thing is that one of the bulbs lost it's somewhat blueish tint. This occurred after only a couple of months. So, I assumed the bulb was changing so I put another bulb in its place....it did the same. So the bulb doesn't appear to be the issue? Second problem is that the bulbs randomly turn off. Sometimes more often than other times. They turn back on after a few minutes. I was thinking it was a excessive heat problem but I'm capable of touching the ballasts without being too hot. Is this common?

01/04/2009, 03:22 PM	#2
tufacody Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,890	Some change in bulb tint is normal, especially in cheaper bulbs. However the random on/off is not. Either your controller is programmed funky, you have a poor connection somewhere, or your ballasts are over heating. Bad MH ballasts can be dangerous, so figure it out asap.

01/04/2009, 03:23 PM	#3
L98-Z Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Warner Robins, Georgia Posts: 1,230	Thanks, I'll check up on it.