$280 Current-USA ballast

[Mikeeal]

LOLOL!!!!

Am I correct in assuming if one of my halides fires up, but looks like a strobe light that my ballast is goin funky? Or am I total dummy that just needs a new bulb?

Story is, I bought an Outer Orbit Halide/T5 hood last year, MARCH 27th to be exact. Wouldn't you know it, a month after the warranty is up, this happens. I contacted them and they want $280 for a replacement!!! Cmon! I laughed and hung up.

Here's the unit, model 1079, 3X250:

http://www.current-usa.com/outerorbithqit5ho.html

So, first of all, does this sound like a ballast issue?

Second, if it is, what can I get to replace it? Will any HQI ballast work? Can I get this and put it in the same housing:

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=174

 

[THE ROOK]

Could try to switch bulbs to rule out a junk bulb. Also switch ballasts to make sure there's no internal wiring issue in the light housing.

 

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have you tried contacting Sunpark, they are the OE ballast manufacturer. should be a whole lot cheaper buying direct from them. worth a try.

Chris

 

[Mikeeal]

GOOD idea ROOK. Why didn't I think of that?

Thanks dude, I'll give that a whirl to trace down the cause.

Nope I haven't Chris, I will now though, thanks man.

 

[Mikeeal]

Hey Chris all I could find on their site was a couple 150W versions, any idea why?

 

[grigsy]

Wait, what?

It is a month old and it is NOT under warranty???

I would think if it is a month old, it would be either covered by who you bought it from (if not, for sure by Current)

I mean, we are talking about 30 days!

 

[tufacody]

I have the 24" version and it too died after about 8 months. 2 Docs replaced the whole unit w/o question. Make sure your bulb is firmly seated though.

 

[HighlandReef]

i have the 3 x 250w/t5 combo and it works very well, i have not had any issues with ballasts.
check the bulb by switching it with one of the others, that will tell you if its the bulb or not.
If that dont work try switching the ballasts with one of the others.
If its a bulb get the phoenix 14k 250w, i just got them for my fixture cause it was time to replace the bulbs and they look great.
I did not like the current 14k bulbs, they were very dim and very blue, I mean real real blue.
Also the phoenix bulbs are on sale now at marine depot for a great price... if the bulbs are whats bad.
if its the ballast and they wont warrantee it get a 250W Reeflex Cube HQI Ballast by Aqua Medic, the reefflex are ture m80 ballasts

 

[Mikeeal]

grigsy no, they're a YEAR and a month old, lol.

Yeah tufa, I was also talkin back and forth with the Drs. They really tried to help, they even contacted Current and tried since it was so close to the end of the warranty. I've never ever had a problem with their CS.

So the Phoenix 14k's huh CGRANT? Cool man, I'm due anyway for bulbs, that's probably what I'll get.

 

[sivert55]

ditto on the phoenix 14k's. They're sweet. i have 3x250w on mine. Good growth and good color.