MH Ballast on the Floor?

[UnderGrad]

I purchased a 175w MH retrofit kit from aquaticlight.com about a month back and am now finally getting around to putting it together. Everything's in place except for the ballast. There is no room for it in the canopy and I've heard these things heat up so I'm a bit reluctant to just set it on the floor. Am I being too paranoid? Can I just set that heavy black box on the floor and not have to worry about it being a fire hazard or do I need to build a box for it? And about how hot do these things generally get? Thanks.

-AM-

 

[Bill2]

So you bought just the parts for the ballast?

 

[GSchiemer]

I purchased a 175w MH retrofit kit from aquaticlight.com about a month back and am now finally getting around to putting it together. Everything's in place except for the ballast. There is no room for it in the canopy and I've heard these things heat up so I'm a bit reluctant to just set it on the floor. Am I being too paranoid? Can I just set that heavy black box on the floor and not have to worry about it being a fire hazard or do I need to build a box for it? And about how hot do these things generally get? Thanks.

-AM-

You can place it on the floor. Just make sure it isn't in contact with anything flammable or in a position to get wet. Placing it in a box or enclosed stand isn't a good idea because it needs to vent heat.

Greg Schiemer

 

[UnderGrad]

Bill2,
The ballast came enclosed in a metal rectangular box. I assume its filled with tar (it sure smells like it) along with the ballast components. I think the box serves as the ground for the ballast as well (if I understand the diagram correctly).

If I built a box for it... I'd definetely drill plenty of venting holes and maybe install a 3" fan. But if I can safely use it without a box, I'd rather do that. I'm kinda anxious to get this thing fired up.

Thanks again.

-AM-

 

[GSchiemer]

Bill2,
If I built a box for it... I'd definetely drill plenty of venting holes and maybe install a 3" fan. But if I can safely use it without a box, I'd rather do that. I'm kinda anxious to get this thing fired up.

Thanks again.

-AM-

There's no point in building a box to surround the ballast box. You just risk overheating the ballast if the fan should fail, and it will.

Fire it up!

Greg

 

[Crockett]

I agree with Greg. No box around it. Take 2 2x4's and turn them on their sides. Set the box on that and you don't have to worry if a little water gets on the ground.

 

[texasreefer]

I just have mine sitting directly on the ground.