what's wrong with my ballast?

Black Phantom · #1 12-25-2007, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrazyKuch

well for one anyone can buy a MH ballast over the counter you just have to go to a wholesaler....2 they are quite cheap...you can replace the ballast in the for probably around $70...if you go that route let me know And I can help you replace it!!

Not to doubt you Krazy but I just had the capaciter go on my PFO ballast last month. No one in town had the 250 cap I needed except for one wholesaler. When I stopped in to buy it they informed me that unless I had an account it was no go. I then tried Eecol electric and Brite-Lite. I was told at both places that unless I was an electrician they wouldnt sell me a ballast. I ended up ordering one from J&L and replaced it myself. Maybe it's just me

KrazyKuch · #2 12-25-2007, 02:47 AM

weird everytime I have gone to the wholsaler o buy ballasts not once have the asked me if I was an electrician...

If you need a ballast let me know and I will pick you one up!!

StirCrazy · #3 12-25-2007, 06:28 AM

it is most likly a policy that they will only sell to companies as they are a wholesaler, you can go to any lighting retailer and get replacment ballasts if they deal in them, or even hydroponic stores.

the coralife ballasts are cheep and the best thing you can do is upgrade them.

Steve

Black Phantom · #4 12-25-2007, 05:28 PM

Now that I've replaced one of my old tar style ballasts with a new electronic one it will be interesting to see if it affects my power bill. They are supposed to be more efficient.
One thing is for sure, they run much cooler. I've got two more that will have to be switched out eventually so I'll wait and see how the new one performs. Time will tell.

fkshiu · #5 12-25-2007, 06:20 PM

Your power bill probably will go down a bit, but so will the PAR output of the bulbs by just a little. That's the tradeoff you get with electronic ballasts, but their reduced size and heat also figure into the equation.