Remote Ballast

[navajo]

Hello all. I posted this in Reef Discussion a couple days ago and got no replies. Thought I'd try it here.

I am in the setup phase of my 200 GAL tank with 300 GAL fuge/sump/return in the basement and have a quick question.

I want to remote my magnetic ballast for the 3x 175 W MH lights to the basement. I am thinking that if I cut the existing cable and splice some 3 wire Romex cable in, there shouldn't be any problems, but just wanted to run it by you fine folks to make sure I am not missing something. If it matters, it will be about 30' from the ballast to the lights.

Thanks for your time and input.

 

[MinibowMatt]

just check your ballast manufacturer's reccomended max distance. I think with most magnetic ballasts you can do 30Ft with no problem... just check first.

 

[navajo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7742884#post7742884 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MinibowMatt
just check your ballast manufacturer's reccomended max distance. I think with most magnetic ballasts you can do 30Ft with no problem... just check first.

Unfortunately, it was part of a complete used system I bought from a guy and it is a home made ballast... I know, I know... but it works fine. Just not sure if the longer cable will drop the start up voltage too much to fire the lamps.

Thanks for the suggestion though. MAYBE I can take the box apart and use the model numbers on the actual components inside to figure out a manufacturer...

 

[MinibowMatt]

Im sure on the ballast core, you can find a part number.

 

[cannarella]

You can and there used to be a link in the Lighting forum that had a table with ballast size, AWG of wire and distance. I am giong to be running some 175W and I think is said with 14/2 wire I would be good to almost 200'. So 30' should not be a problem. I will see if I can find it and post a link to it.

edit:
here it is
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/jg/index.php

Andy

 

[navajo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7743512#post7743512 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cannarella
You can and there used to be a link in the Lighting forum that had a table with ballast size, AWG of wire and distance. I am giong to be running some 175W and I think is said with 14/2 wire I would be good to almost 200'. So 30' should not be a problem. I will see if I can find it and post a link to it.

edit:
here it is
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/jg/index.php

Andy

SWEET! Thanks very much!

Thank you everyone for the info and your time. Have a couple on me!

:beer: