MH Ballast Advice

[SPSFiend]

I currently have a Blue Line Ballast powering two double ended 250W HQIs.

I have been having trouble with one of the bulbs /pendants firing. I have had to change the bulb on the left pendant twice now in the past 4 months.

Does anyone know what the warranty of a blue line is and if this issue I am having is attributed to the ballast?

Also, I am contemplating purchasing a new ballast if I cannot remedy the problem. Can anyone give me some recommendations for a new Ballast. I was leaning towards ICE Caps. Does anyone know if these are more energy efficient and robust?

Appreciate the advice!!

 

[Kenfuzed]

I'm not a huge HQI expert but can tell you from witnessing others who had problems that premature bulb failure is often attributed to the bulb socket arching. I've also seen quite a few threads on this. Check over in the Lighting and equipment forum.

I'm a big fan of both Icecap and EVC ballasts. I have both on my tank and while I'm running SE bulbs they are designed for DE bulbs too.

 

[EmDy]

Im running IC on my 250 DE for over 4 months now, no problem so far, knock on wood.

 

[GTR]

You might be able to just replace the ballast inside the box. They don't really cost all that much if it's just a standard ballast.

SteveU

 

[SPSFiend]

I was under the impression that all ICECAP ballast were electronic...

Any other recommendations for BALLASTS??? Please? Thanks!

 

[Mchava]

blueline ballast I think have a 7year waranty or maybe 5 but I think it has someting to do with the bubl arcing.

 

[Fridmani]

Not all ballasts operate all bulbs. I haven't had too much experience with the blueline but I did have an IC and didn't light up any XM's or some overseas bulbs. I switched to a ARO which is a commercial ballasts and haven't had any problems with any bulb...XM, aquaconnect, AB, Phoenix, Ushio, etc. Also, make sure your connections are grounded and secure and make sure the bulb is seated nicely in the socket.