Ballast problem

[iseeweed]

Hi all, I'm having an issue with my Aqua-Medic 250w de pendant. I have tried several bulbs with the same issue, so I'm 90.5% sure its not the bulb. When the light is turned on all seems normal, but after a few minutes the ballast starts buzzing, then the light starts to flicker-faster-faster-ballast buzzes harder then poof-light goes out. I talked to Hello-lights and they said it sounded like the capacitor but did not carry the m80 anymore. I ordered one from Aqua-Medic, and after installing am having the same issue($25 later) So, there are only 2 other parts in the box, the ballast and the igniter. Any input?? My other light is an electronic ballast, but did not want to spend the $110 for another one.

 

[Anonymous]

How long have you had the ballast?

It sounds like the ballast has gone bad. You probably need a new one. Is it under warranty still?

 

[iseeweed]

I have had the light fixture for over 4 years-deff. not warranty. I called Aqua-Medic last night and left a message, but have not heard back.

 

[iseeweed]

Ok, so after replacing the capacitor and, igniter in my ballast-----same issue. Aqua-Medic returned the parts and sold me a whole new ballast---------same issue???? I took the light fixture apart and re-wired, same issue.
Long story short, has anyone ever had bulbs that worked in an electronic ballast, but not in a magnetic ballast???

 

[Anonymous]

Some bulbs do not work in magnetic ballasts. Usually they all work on an electronic ballast. What are the bulbs?

 

[iseeweed]

The bulbs are Hamilton 14k 250w HQI's. The strange thing is, I have used these bulbs in the same fixture for over 4 years. It all started right after Christmas, when I got a new bulb and installed it in the magnetic fixture. The bulb would blink and go out after a few minutes. I then installed the new bulb in my other fixture(magnetic ballast) and it was fine. A few weeks ago I got another 14k Hamilton and put it in the magnetic ballast, same thing-blinks and goes out. I was sure at this point it was the ballast. So after 3 weeks, a bunch of part, another whole ballast-tons of labor hours, still have the same issue. Could it be that I just got 2 bulbs that for some reason don't like the magnetic ballast??

 

[Anonymous]

It may be the bulbs. Being you received a whole new ballast I would say it is the bulbs. They may have been a defective batch. As far as I know the M80 ballast is a HQI ballast and should fire any HQI bulb.

 

[iseeweed]

OK, So I called Hamilton directly and explained the problem. They also thought it sounded like the ballast, but agreed to send me a replacement bulb(even though I bought it from Hellolights).

 

[Anonymous]

Good customer service. Good luck.

 

[iseeweed]

I also learned that Hamilton(and I'm sure everyone else) is not manufacturing their bulbs. The tech dept told me they use 2 different manufacturers and they basically have their name stamped on the bulb. I asked because I have noticed very different looking bulbs come from them with the same ratings. Since I am having problems with bulbs that have an added resistor, they are sending me a bulb from the other company that does not use this added resistor. Hamilton is still convinced it is a ballast problem, so I guess I will find out.
Just for the heck of it, I ordered the cheapest 250w DE I could find on e-bay($9.95) I just wonder If I have spent years purchasing premium bulbs, that may just be a re-packaged Chinese made bulbs???

 

[iseeweed]

Ok, So I received my $10.00 e-bay cheapo 250w 15k bulb(single resistor)today. I installed and it worked fine, although the color is kinda like vomit yellow(really ugly and would never use it) So I have come to the conclusion, for whatever reason a Hamilton 14k 250w bulb with double resistors, will NOT work with a aqua-medic magnetic ballast. I sent the bulb back to Hamilton yesterday. They are going to replace it with a bulb from the other company they use that manufactures the bulbs with single resistors. This has been the strangest hardware issue I have ever had with my tank!

 

[Ben1]

I was thinking it was the bulb. My sons tank had double end MH 150 watt bulbs and the reeflux 20k I added recently does the same thing, it lights then after 15 min or sometimes less flickers out and then resets 10 minutes later and repeats. I just dropped the hood repeatedly and it's working for now lol. Thats my theory if somethings not workings kick it until it works or dies lol. I went to my LFS 45 min drive for a new bulb for my frag tank and alls they carried were hamilton and JBJ bulbs, both which I've never had good luck with. Glad you got it sorted out, does seem both companies gave good support in your situation.

 

[iseeweed]

SO....Hamilton did not admit there was a bulb problem, but is shipping me a different 14k bulb with a single resistor. I should get it any day. The Hamilton people do have exceptional customer service.

 

[Anonymous]

I am glad it was just the bulbs. I am also glad that they have such good CS.

This should make us all wonder what we are really buying under the guise of a name brand.

 

[iseeweed]

Got the replacement bulb from Hamilton today. This time the SINGLE capacitor, 14k 250w DE. Works perfect. I doubt I am the only one thats ever had this issue. I would suggest if you are using an Aqua-Medic magnetic 250w ballast and Hamilton bulbs, specify the single capacitor bulb when you order. The Hamilton and Aqua Medic customer service is Really good. I might suggest to Hamilton that they do a little more R and D with their bulbs.