MH Ballast help

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 01-27-2009, 06:12 AM

I need to change my dual 400watt ballast. Its just WAY too loud. Its quite old now and I don't even really trust it to be honest.

Where is a good place to get ballasts? I don't want to bother anymore with paying for overpriced ballast with Aquarium brand names. Like most things made for the hobby, as soon as you put "aquarium" on it, it sells for like triple

Any suggestions?

banditpowdercoat · #2 01-27-2009, 12:04 PM

I would check out an electrical supply store. Westburne, Eecol, etc.

When you fing something, let us know

chevyjaxon · #3 01-27-2009, 12:18 PM

hydroponics shops usually carry them

mike31154 · #4 01-27-2009, 03:12 PM

I gather this is a magnetic ballast? Transformer/coil & capacitor. To produce 400watts takes some large components and transformer hum can be substantial. Have you opened the unit up to see what's making the noise? Could be as simple as a loose mounting screw holding the transformer in place. Or you might look into replacing the capacitor if it's that old. If saving money is the goal I'd say it's worth having a look at these things. It's still firing your lamp(s) so there's nothing to lose by checking for loose connections.

mseepman · #5 01-27-2009, 05:05 PM

I use a ballast from Ballastwise for my 70W mh nano light fixture. They are electronic, so they are silent and don't get too hot.

Here's a link....http://www.ballastwise.com/item.asp?...FID=17&level=1

Hope that helps. One thing to note, they are not fantastic shippers across the border...I had to put all the paperwork together myself, pre-pay the shipping company and then they shipped it.

BCOrchidGuy · #6 01-27-2009, 06:25 PM

Don't know how much you know about electricity but one thing I do know is don't mess with a capacitor with your bare hands. There is a way to discharge it but I can't remember what it is, someone else will post I'm sure but the capacitor holds the charge so even after you've unplugged the unit the capacitor is still holding enough of a bang to make your day not so great.

Douglas

parkinsn · #7 01-27-2009, 07:10 PM

If your ballast is "humming" its the core and coil your capacitor should be fine. As stated above try Westburne, EECOL, GESCAN, Wesco, none of these places will have them in stock though as they are a special order only due to the imput voltage required to start "our aquarium" lamps. Here is a link to the Ushio website, it has your ballast code on the end of the chart under spec's

http://www.ushio.com/products/genera...h-aqualite.htm

P.S. you can discharge the cap by touching the ends to something grounded and conductive. Not your hand

mike31154 · #8 01-27-2009, 08:29 PM

A screwdriver with an insulated handle may be used to discharge the capacitor. Just lay the metal part of the screwdriver across the capacitor terminals and it will discharge. Could be a bit of a spark when you contact the second terminal so make sure you're not around anything flammable.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #9 01-27-2009, 11:15 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know if I want to be messing with the ballast myself though. I don't know anything about them.

I think I will either try to replace it or for the new tank build, build a box to hide it in under the tank and try to keep it quiet.

I am just sick of hearing the thing...but it does seem to be still working.

mike31154 · #10 01-27-2009, 11:30 PM

Well, if it still works, no need to mess with it. The only thing you'll find in there if it's a magnetic dual ballast is two monster transformers, two gargantuan capacitors and associated wiring/connectors. Be careful about hiding it too well, it needs good air circulation for cooling. Those 400W babys get warm. Come to think of it, it should have at least one fan for the housing.