MH flickering, any ideas?

danny zubot · #1 12-22-2009, 08:11 PM

My lights have begun to flicker recently and I don't know why. It kind of dims and looks bluer when it does this. It does it quickly like a flicker but has also stayed dim for some time on occasion. It usually does this once the balast has warmed up. I'm running an XM 20K 400 watt SE, on a Galaxy balast. It's also on a digital timer, that I've had for several years. Any thoughts from you lighting guru's out there?

Thanks,

Danny

Delphinus · #2 12-22-2009, 08:15 PM

Is the ballast electronic or or transformer style? How old is the lamp (approx. runtime hours)?

I don't really have any ideas here but figure it couldn't hurt to know those two details (sorry, I'm not familiar with the Galaxy, I assume that is electronic?)

Millepora_Maniac · #3 12-22-2009, 08:29 PM

I would say it's the bulb, but I've seen these ballasts burn out before. I would try changing the bulb first, then I would try changing the ballast. Good Luck!

danny zubot · #4 12-22-2009, 08:30 PM

Ya, forgot to mention that. It is an electronic balast. The bulb has only been up and running for about 6 months at 8-10 hours per day.

Dez · #5 12-22-2009, 08:53 PM

My ice cap did this and then I switched the bulb and did the same thing. I think my ballast was shot. Changed the ballast and it was good to go. Sucks I know.

danny zubot · #6 12-22-2009, 08:56 PM

I'm in the process of testing it with a different bulb. Thats the less expensive route. Hopefully I only need to replace a bulb and not the balast.

danny zubot · #7 12-22-2009, 09:30 PM

If it is the balast after all, does anyone know if they are repairable? I've had the old magnetic ones fixed at the local grow supplies shops, but I'm not sure if they will fix the electronic variety.

danny zubot · #8 12-23-2009, 07:35 PM

It's the ballast. I just saw the test light dim. Bummer! Well, I might start shopping for a new T5 light.

globaldesigns · #9 12-23-2009, 07:37 PM

Ballasts are not that expensive anymore.

Give Kevin @ Red Coral (Calgary) a call. He has great pricing and can ship to you.

danny zubot · #10 12-23-2009, 10:31 PM

I just checked out REd Coral's web site to see their pricing and noticed that my ballast should still be under warranty. I've only had it for 2 years. Now if I can just find the reciept.