Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread

[ChloroPhil]

On a different note,

I re-read those articles you posted about Sun Corals and noticed that they take up nutrients directly from the water. Have you seen a difference between other peoples' Suns who have less rich water and yours?

That's a very nice new coral you've got there BTW.

[melev]

Today, my 400w 20,000K bulb wouldn't light. As you can imagine, accessing the ballasts above the tank is a little tricky right now. Still I managed to get it down, remove the light fixture from the light rack, and open 'er up on the table. This is what I saw.











The ballast is still very hot to the touch, and I'm guessing that white thing is the capacitor. I bought a second ballast as a backup, and am going to try to switch out the capacitor only. My question is this: Do I need to discharge any energy from the ballast in some way, or can I simply disconnect the two leads, connect the new one, and test it to see if the bulb comes to life?

I'm guessing I need to let it cool off for a bit first.

[cseeton]

With the capacitor spewing its guts, I really doubt you need to discharge anything.... as long as the bulb did not blow, the ballast will have discharged through it.

Unplug the ballast, let it cool, cut out the capacitor, and reconnect.

It looks like it got quite hot (the plastic is discolored), you might try and ventilate the box to keep the ballast a little cooler.

[Jamesurq]

My dad used to tell me that a fully charged capacitor is a fun thing to make explode.... He wouldn't tell me how - though.

He did tell me that an O2 tank on a bonfire is a good way to get your neighbors to call the cops on you....

Growing up was fun...

[AJP]

Originally posted by Jamesurq
Growing up was fun...

So when are you going to?

[dajum]

Speaking of bonfires, Check out this method of lighting your grill.

http://www.doeblitz.net/ghg/

It's hilarious.

Dave

[melev]

The good news is that I was able to replace that capacitor with the spare, and the light is running again. I need to figure out where to buy a new capacitor for next time. I have the old one, it is made by Advance, and the model number is still very readable.

While I had the light out, I cleaned the reflector and bulb carefully. I bet it while increase the PAR from what it was.

[cseeton]

Try grainger.com for a new capacitor or ballast assembly...

ballast kit #:1A029 ~$55
capacitor #:6X669 ~$10

[melev]

I figured I better post some pictures of my capacitor if I want to get a match. Since I have an Advance Ballast (400w), I'd guess I need the matching capacitor. If I can get it at Grainger, that would be great as they are here in Ft Worth.

[growyourown]

ummm....

Yeah can you say overheated?

You see that 185 or is it 105? deg C max case temp. Be sure that enclosure is vented next time.

Marc, you should be able to get it at any reputable lighting supply house.

Glenn

[growyourown]

http://www.eescodirect.com/cultures/...C100-100-90-20

That cap can be found at that link $150.00

[melev]

Thanks Glenn, but that is insane. I saw an entire kit at Grainger for $140, including the piece I need. Or I can order the one piece for $150???

I can't read it either. I'm not sure if it is 105 or 185 C.

[growyourown]

Just did some checking that is indeed 105C

[melev]

This one is $140, and from what I can tell it identical to what I have now.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/pro...&ccitem=&xi=xi

[growyourown]

Yeah but Marc. Grainger is notoriously the most expensive distributor in the trade, the advantage they have is normally in stock and local.

Glenn

[yourreeftank]

Call PFO. Mine burns out every 6-8 months, they replace it for free, but I am sure they could sell you a couple.

[cseeton]

If you register your business, sometimes you can get better pricing from grainger.... Using the kit number I gave you above, they list the price at $55 and your link comes up at $126.

Perhaps it is university pricing???

[growyourown]

Check this out.

Glenn


http://www.lightingcloseout.com/prod...7&CategoryID=3

[Cprowler]

Here is an Advance For $65

http://www.elights.com/methalbal400.html

[growyourown]

Or this

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/cat...ng/100181.html

[growyourown]

elights gets it thats the one you need Marc.

[growyourown]

http://www.hellolights.com/40magmagm59b.html

58.00

Sorry I thought you might like another option

[selgado]

Originally posted by AJP
So when are you going to?

Are you serious? Why are you wasting everyones time? Lets try and respect Marc's thread.

[melev]

Wow Glenn, you are finding them everywhere. Nice!!! It looks like the exact same capacitor at Hellolights.com as I compared the model numbers from the picture to the one on my desk.

The link to elights didn't work for me.

However, what I did like was that you found it for MUCH less than the original $140 that I thought was fair if I wanted to replace everything.

I guess I should also look for a 400w IceCap Electronic Ballast since I have so many options. All my other ballasts are IceCap, and don't need an enclosure. It wouild be lighter on the shelf, add some consistency to my equipment, and be warrantied for (maybe?) 3 years.

[steve68]

that's what i would do go for the electronic