MH light trying, but can't....what now????? Emergency?

[postie]

I have a dual 250-watt MH system on my 55-gal. It was new and I installed it about 3 months ago. Bulbs are 20K and also new 3 months ago. Everything has worked great until today. The lights flicker as if they are trying to fire, then go off. They alternate doing this, but neither bulb will fire to full strength. They flicker, then try firing to a brighter light, then turn off.

I unplugged one of the disconnects to see if one might be trying to override the other, but then the one just did the same thing...flicker, start to fire, go out.

Anyone know what the problem might be or what I can do about it. I don't exactly have a back up lighting system other than flourescent and they are pretty old. I also have a few corals that will need this lighting before weeks go by trying to get parts, etc.

Suggestions please so I can do something....thanks

 

[postie]

BTW, this has been going on for about an hour and a half....usually lights are on and glaring in just several seconds. I don't think they are going to come on at all today.....they just keep trying....

 

[postie]

One light on....other still trying...geez, I hope I don't need something big...just bought an RO system....might have needed those $ for lights!

 

[pwj1286]

I suggest you to put your flourescents on now, atleast get some light on them. Your corals will be ok for a while.

As far as the your MH. I do not know. You should unplug them for a while.
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define inflation

 

[Anonymous]

I've had that problem, in my case I needed to replace the lamps.

 

[postie]

After a 3 1/2 hour wait, the lights finally both were on. We'll see what happens today. If the problem continues, I'll try replacing the lamps first and go from there. I haven't had MH until now, so I'm still learning......

 

[pwj1286]

are those new bulbs? how are your corals doing under flourescent? are they VHO, HO, PC, NO?
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Eckankar Forum

 

[Anonymous]

I'd just unplug the halides if they start acting up again. Leave them off for a good half hour, then plug them back in.

Sometimes they go through spells like this.Usually only happens to newer bulbs though, not 3 month old bulbs. Odd.

Louey

 

[SnowManSnow]

I have an aquamedic 250w DE pendant that will buzz for about 15 seconds before the blubs fire.. it just started once day.. but has been working for about 6 months this way.

B

 

[postie]

Lights are working perfectly...guess it was just a gliche. Everything gets tired now and then....

Thanks for the input

 

[postie]

Lights are NOT ok afterall. It's taking from 2-3 hours for them to finally fire and come on. I've ordered two new 250-watt 20K's and hope that will fix the problem. They just flicker and go out, flicker and go out. I turn them off awhile at the ballast, then turn them on...they try to fire, then go out. Finally, after about 3 hours, they come on bright as can be...

If this occurs with the new bulbs, what would be the next thing to check?

Thanks

 

[Ben1]

I had a problem like this on my PFO MH's several years ago. They used metal toggle switchs on the ballast then and one of the switchs had burned up inside. It was an easy fix to get a new switch.

What type of Ballast are you using?