UPCOMING: Events

Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Light question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    12-07-2009
    Location
    San Antonio, UTSA
    Posts
    95

    Default Light question

    I just got my new metal halide and when I plug it in the light does not turn on. How do i know if the light bulb or the ballast is the problem?

  2. #2

    Default

    Borrow a lamp, what is the wattage?

  3. #3

    Default

    Is the bAllast magnetic ? If so u should here a hum

  4. #4
    Join Date
    12-07-2009
    Location
    San Antonio, UTSA
    Posts
    95

    Default

    It is a 150w and the ballast is a External 150W Electronic HQI Metal Halide Ballast. Even though the ballast is not magnetic should it hum?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    02-12-2004
    Location
    Far West SA 1604 and Culebra
    Posts
    4,157

    Default

    Also note that when you turn it on it can take some time to warm up and give off light. My first MH I thought was damaged because I expected it to come on right away like a normal light, MH do not work this way.

    Its also very bad to constantly flip the on/off switch over and over, you can damage a MH this way.

    Put it on off mode for 20-30min and then turn back on and wait and see what happens. I can take 10min or longer for full intensity.
    Ray Allen
    San Antonio, TX
    1604 Culebra/Shanefield
    rba0284@gmail.com
    40g Breeder Reef Aquarium

  6. #6
    Join Date
    12-07-2009
    Location
    San Antonio, UTSA
    Posts
    95

    Default

    I have left it plugged in for 6 min and still no light so I unplugged it. Should I wait 30 min and plug it in longer?

  7. #7

    Default

    If it is new take it back to where you bought it.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    07-21-2005
    Location
    281N of 1604, San Antonio, TX
    Posts
    5,844

    Default

    You need to leave it on for at least 30 minutes. If they fail to light, they cycle.

    Make sure the bulb is well seated.

    Also check the fuse on the ballast.
    Bill

    215g FOWLR... and anemones, GSP, gorgonians... carp, that isn't FO!

    "I killed my first SW Fish in 1971..."

  9. #9

    Default Re: Light question

    Shouldn't hum. Also the ballast should be slightly warm after 30 minutes. Warm is good, hot is bad.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    John Roescher

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •