jbj29 light problems

[Tampico96]

Any local help with my lighting issue.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18902286#post18902286

I just started having an issue with my JBJ29. Here is what is happening.

-The light runs for 15-20 mins and then it shuts off for 10 and then comes back on. It does this all day long.

At first I thought it was the bulb. nearing a year on this bulb, time to replace. I replaced the bulb and it still happens.

Somebody suggested that there was a thermal overload in the hood that is known to go bad. I searched google and could not find a reference to this. I did prop the hood open today and it did not turn off once.

All 4 fans are running, even if the light is off, so I dont think the light is turning off because of the fans shutting down. ( another senerio that I was told)

So here is my question. When looking under the hood, what or where might this overload be? Is there a replacement? A modification? Pictures of what I should be looking for?

Tank temp stays at 78-79 when light is on and heater keeps it 76-78 at night.

 

[rigleautomotive]

I am not familiar with your hood specifically,but if I were to hazard a guess I would suggest replacing the ballast.Your symptom sounds like a cooked ,weak ballast

 

[Tampico96]

Thanks for the response Dan,

Do you think a bad ballast would be effected by the hood open or closed?

This is one of the Small 29gallon all in one tanks. Its a 150 hqi and I may just have to lift the hood off the tank a few inches for a couple weeks till I can buy another ballast.

 

[rigleautomotive]

Thanks for the response Dan,

Do you think a bad ballast would be effected by the hood open or closed?

This is one of the Small 29gallon all in one tanks. Its a 150 hqi and I may just have to lift the hood off the tank a few inches for a couple weeks till I can buy another ballast.

Yes,it would kick off if it overheats and take 10 minutes to restart.If it is fan cooled ensure the fans are operating but I suspect a weak ballast.A ARO electronic ballast can be fitted into the fixture for less the $100 and they are very good.Probably a better ballast then the stock unit would be

 

[Tampico96]

So here is an update on my lighting problem. So I ended up getting a new ballast. No fix. So I was pulling my hair out. I removed the new bulb and put in the 2nd spare I got. Guess what. It works. So out of the 2 new bulbs. one was already bad. I have a new ballast on the system but believe the old to be fine. so I now have a spare ballast.

 

[__SoS__8)]

Time to start a frag tank.

 

[Tampico96]

I already have a 40 breeder setup as a frag tank. Using it as a growout tank for now until I get my inwall done. its been a long slow trip. New house problems seem to arrise every weekend and it redirects me from the new tank build.