Arrgh! It's the connection! I am having this problem with my seahorse tank and fresh water tank, too. What am I doing wrong? The seahorse and fresh water just have your ultra cheapo run of the mill light bars that come with tanks. I can't remember who makes the reef light. I'm not quite sure how I go about replacing the ballast, or maybe just cleaning off the wires?? I will have to look more closely later. I'm so bummed.