Strange MH problem

Doomer · 04-04-2003, 12:12 AM

I have 2 250 watt MH kits over my 8 ft. tank. Yesterday evening one of them went out. I unplugged both and after they cooled down I switched bulbs to determine if the problem was the bulb or the ballast. The good lamp lit so I was sure the bulb was blown. Looking at it, nothing seems amiss. No burns or discoloration.

I put the bulb back into the socket and plugged it back in. By that time the timer had shut the lights off but next morning they both came on normally. The "bad" bulb has burned normally all day so at this point I don't know what the problem may have been.

Anybody ever see a MH setup do something like this? Will it happen again? I suspect it will.

Knetter · 11-04-2003, 07:26 PM

The ballast has to "cooldown" before restarted. This is about 5 -> 10 min and is dued to the energy storage in the inductor.

ddaquaria · 11-05-2003, 12:51 AM

I have seen this occur before the bulb goes out. I usually use it as my "replace the bulb" indicator. Also Knetter is correct, there is a cool down period for Halides (anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes) Also check your wiring for any stretched wires or a possible shortage about to occur.

Doomer · 11-05-2003, 11:43 AM

This happens very infrequently. It hasn't happened in about a month now. I have checked and double checked the wiring. The ballasts are mounted well away from the bulbs and are in a well circulated area. (on top of the canopy). I guess as long as it doesn't happen too often I can live with it.

Knetter · 11-05-2003, 09:23 PM

check http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com...lighting5.html
for some nice statements about mh

11-05-2003, 09:23 PM	#5
Knetter Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 155	check http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com...lighting5.html for some nice statements about mh __________________ - grtz Pepijn 200 Litres Tank (= 52.8 gal); 2×150W HCI/Metal Halide (OSRAM powerstar NDL); Dupla press. CO2; eheim 2211 300 L/H; heavily planted; daily, 4 drops of plant24, KNO3

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04-04-2003, 12:12 AM	#1
Doomer Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Boondocks Posts: 468	I have 2 250 watt MH kits over my 8 ft. tank. Yesterday evening one of them went out. I unplugged both and after they cooled down I switched bulbs to determine if the problem was the bulb or the ballast. The good lamp lit so I was sure the bulb was blown. Looking at it, nothing seems amiss. No burns or discoloration. I put the bulb back into the socket and plugged it back in. By that time the timer had shut the lights off but next morning they both came on normally. The "bad" bulb has burned normally all day so at this point I don't know what the problem may have been. Anybody ever see a MH setup do something like this? Will it happen again? I suspect it will.

11-04-2003, 07:26 PM	#2
Knetter Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 155	The ballast has to "cooldown" before restarted. This is about 5 -> 10 min and is dued to the energy storage in the inductor.

11-05-2003, 12:51 AM	#3
ddaquaria Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 222	I have seen this occur before the bulb goes out. I usually use it as my "replace the bulb" indicator. Also Knetter is correct, there is a cool down period for Halides (anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes) Also check your wiring for any stretched wires or a possible shortage about to occur.

11-05-2003, 11:43 AM	#4
Doomer Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Boondocks Posts: 468	This happens very infrequently. It hasn't happened in about a month now. I have checked and double checked the wiring. The ballasts are mounted well away from the bulbs and are in a well circulated area. (on top of the canopy). I guess as long as it doesn't happen too often I can live with it.