Troubleshooting MH ballast.

[Snowsrfr]

Would like some input, possibly other peoples experiences concerning my MH problem.

Recently acquired a AquaMedic Oceanlight, 2x250W MH's, and 2 39W T5's, from a local reefer here on Reef Central. Upon receiving it, one of the MH's is inop. Since there are two seperate cords coming from the fixture to the ballast, I swapped cord and the inop light switched sides. Thus, I was certain the problem was in the ballast box. Took the lid off and found one of the capacitors for the had been pried open and one of the contacts inside was not soldered. So, I finally found a new capacitor for the 250W MH (came as a package deal with an industrial 250W ballast for a MH). Swapped out the capacitor and now the light will start, but will only warm up for about a minute, start to flicker and then go out. After that, all I get is a buzzing/humming from the affected ballast.

Long story short, do I have a bad ballast? Is there anything else, I should try or look into before attempting to replace the ballast? Any help, ASAP, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[sulcata1619]

If it will fire up with the new capacitor then unfortunately the ballast is shot. Just to double check and not give up, I would swap the new capacitor with the oone on the other side. It couldn't hurt. are you sure the new cap has the same farad rating?

 

[Snowsrfr]

I'm not exactly sure the cap has the same rating as the casing is blank, unlike the stock one with the ratings, but it case as a package deal with a 250W MH ballast and the guy at the electrical store said they were the same. So, I just had to take him at his word.