Bad ballast help.

[ZildjianDevil]

So the reeflex cubes are the way to go huh.. In 250w?

 

[tinkerman]

There were 3 brands to choose from when I upgraded. Reeflex cubes, hamilton, and blue wave the blue waves I don't think are being made anymore. The reeflex are the only ones that have a fan for cooling.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

Oh I see.. Very cool

 

[ZildjianDevil]

How big are the Reeflex Cube HQI 250w Ballasts? I can't find the size of them anywhere? Does anyone have the specs for this ballasts?

 

[tinkerman]

they are 7" square, need at least 11" height for feet and plug on top. They are vented on all sides so would need alittle room to breath. I hooked a kill-a-watt meter up and says they are pulling about 335-340 watts when warmed up.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

they are 7" square, need at least 11" height for feet and plug on top. They are vented on all sides so would need alittle room to breath. I hooked a kill-a-watt meter up and says they are pulling about 335-340 watts when warmed up.

Awesome thank you!

 

[ZildjianDevil]

If I buy the HQI Ballasts, do I need any quick disconnects? Female or male?

Right now My wires i have from all three of my lumen brite penndants going to my ballasts are cut and capped together.

 

[tinkerman]

I got them when I got the ballast. the place you order from should have them, around $10. You would need a female end I think. There is a female to male end that comes with ballast( this cord is about 12" long) then a female end you wire on your reflecter cord(this you need to buy seperate). Hope that makes sense.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

So I need to buy three female ends.. Makes sense.. But what can I do for wire length? I needs it to reach about 10-12' from reflector to ballast.

 

[tinkerman]

Did you cut your wire shorter on your reflecter? If so maybe cut an extesion cord up. Yes 3 if you are replacing all 3 ballasts, 1 for each ballast. The do sell wire for the reflecters at aquacave for like $14 for 12-15 feet.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

Yeah it's pretty short on my reflector. What is the wire called on aquacave that I can buy for length from reflector to ballast?

 

[tinkerman]

You would need to cut the end off of this.
http://www.aquacave.com/15-ft-lamp-cord-for-galaxybr-blue-wave-ballasts-1795.html
This is the right end you need to wire in.
http://www.aquacave.com/quick-disconnect-malebr-plug-1963.html
And the ballast.
http://www.aquacave.com/250w-reeflex-cube-hqi-br-ballast-by-aqua-medic-2262.html
Hope there isn't any problems with posting links as they are in the sponser area.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

Awesome thanks tinker.. So I'll buy three aqua medic hqi 250w ballasts. Three 15' cords and cut the ends off them. And buy three of the male ends not the female then?

 

[tinkerman]

Ya pretty sure tahts what you'll need

 

[ZildjianDevil]

what do you guys recommend 250w or 400w for the HQI Ballasts? i have 180 tank how do you know which to choose, because my reflectors can handle both 250w and 400w.

 

[sirreal63]

250's, no question about it.

 

[ZildjianDevil]

What do you guys think about Pheonix 14k?

 

[ZildjianDevil]

Lol just ordered them thanks again guys!