MH goes on and off

[newhobby]

What would cause MH to turn on for 5 mins then turn off and back on and off again?
Bad ballast?

 

[GreshamH]

Either that, but most likely it is seated poorly. DE or SE? DE this is a common issue.

 

[seminolecpa]

Or it could be electrical interference if you are using an electronic ballast. My Icecaps hated my reefkeeper controller.

 

[newhobby]

DE

 

[GreshamH]

Have you tried reseating the bulb? You may need to play with the mounts. Sometimes you even have to rough up the metal contacts a little.

 

[newhobby]

Ok, I tried resetting the bulb and replacing the bulb with another one.
It didn't work
I left it off for a couple days and when I turn it back on, it ran for a couple days without a probem, but then today it was on and off again.
I guess I need to find a 250W ballast to exchange and see it that solves the problem.
The bulb is barely used
Should I dump MH and go full LED?
I have 2 DIY LED strips already mounted on each side of the MH reflector that I was using just for sunrise sunset effect, mainly because I got lazy and never mounted a fan on them... lol
I was running them at 20%. Each strip has 6 XR-E Cool White and 6 XR-E Royal Blue.
I also have the new Ecotech Radion in the box sitting in the shelf. I can now control those with my Reef Angel too
I just had no coloration when using LEDs on my nano, but that may have been influenced by nutrients.

 

[GreshamH]

Did you play with adjusting the DE mounts? I had to flare mine out more and rough up the surface. On my old PFO pendant I had to rebend the mounts slightly. I've always been able to resolve that issue though. Good luck

I'd be hesitant on the dumping of MH... but that is just my opinion

 

[newhobby]

Yeah, I tried resetting the bulb and playing around with the contacts, but it just seems it is not it.
Anyone has any 250W ballast to lend me for a couple days to check if the ballast is the problem?

 

[99sf]

Roberto, sorry you are dealing with the frustration of non-working MH lights. I have a spare Bluewave ballast that you're welcome to try out, but I live & work pretty far from you.
Christina

 

[GreshamH]

I have a couple, if I can track em down you are welcome to borrow them. Email me, we will go from there

 

[anathema]

I have a spare sitting around also, icecap 250W MH. I'm in the city though, and not able to drive your way for at least the next week.

 

[newhobby]

I got one
Thanks for the effort though.
I'll wire it up and see what happens.