MH Light Flickering

[nmbeg]

anyone ever have an issue with a MH light flickering? it does it pretty often, i just turn it off and on and it fixes it, only to start again the next day.

i have not tried anything yet..... is it simply a loose bulb or an electronic issue? any ideas?

ps. i have this light: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewItem~idProduct~CU01079~tab~0.html

 

[MinnFish]

How old is the bulbs and fixture?

 

[nmbeg]

about 7 months old

 

[Aydee]

Also, check the ballast.

If you have multiple MH lights, try swapping ballasts and seeing if the problems move.

Often MH flicker if the ballast isn't quite getting a good enough 'strike' going. It can be a case of "Once the ballast heats up" that you'll get the fault.

This is a maybe.. Always good to have another thing to check.

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[MinnFish]

I agree with Aydee. Check the ballast.

 

[nmbeg]

so how can i correct the "strike" issue?

 

[nmbeg]

i'll try swapping and see what happens.

I have also contacted the manufacturer and I am still under warranty, so let's see what happens.....

 

[Aydee]

You correct a strike issue by replacing the ballast..

Important note to all: Ballasts do not have 'user servicable parts' inside. Don't mess with them.. If you do, and make a mistake, your MH bulb *WILL* explode and send glass everywhere.

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[nmbeg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12971524#post12971524 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aydee
your MH bulb *WILL* explode and send glass everywhere.

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Aydee,

you sound like you have personal experience.... wanna share?

 

[Aydee]

Fortunately not in a reef tank.
Had a ballast go wonky in a site I was working on (As an electronic techie). Lights would last maybe 2 - 3hrs before exploding violently.

Replaced ballast = fixed.

Not overly exciting I know. But useful knowledge none-the-less.

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[nmbeg]

Dear Nabeel â€"œ



Thank you for contacting Current USA. Usually when the lamp starts flickering it’s due the lamp not making a clear connection with the socket. Please unplug the fixture, remove the lamp, clean the socket with steel wool and reseat the lamp. If this does not solve the issue please try swapping the lamps. If the problem follows the lamp please let your retailer know you’re in need of a new lamp.



You will also want to make sure that the ballasts for the fixture are plugged directly into the wall not into a power strip of extension cord.



Sincerely,





Current-USA Customer Service
www.current-usa.com