Help with Metal halide ballast not firing

[oreo54]

Yep that’s the plan, hopefully it works out.

I also found a thread on the other forum pointing to a full replacement for the entire ballast. I’m not sure if it’s still in stock though.

Sola Ballast ESCA00W430 CWA Core & Coil Ballast for 430W S145 High Pressure Sodium Lamp

Sola Ballast ESCA00W430 CWA Core & Coil Ballast for 430W S145 High Pressure Sodium Lamp

www.shineretrofits.com

That's for hps lamps.

 

[djf91]

That's for hps lamps.

I’m pretty sure the Bluewave ballasts are technically HPS.

 

[oreo54]

I’m pretty sure the Bluewave ballasts are technically HPS.

The morass that is mh/ hps certainly isn't my forte..

Thought they were m80 ballasts for hqi metal halides.

Looking back I see the igniter is listed for hps lamps.

 

[djf91]

So, some interesting happenings in the tank since the lighting switch up. That’s what I’m pinning it on as nothing else to my knowledge has changed in the past week.

Alkalinity has increased by 0.5 dkh and phosphate has more than doubled from .08 to .17 ppm. I have also noticed some bacterial films peeling from the rock work in certain places.

 

[djf91]

I installed the new capacitor and the bulb fired right up, fully like normal. I appreciate everybody’s help with this.

I’m probly going to go ahead and replace the other three starters on the 400 watt ballasts I run. If anybody notices that their metal halide systems are running a little dimmer, and you have determined it’s not the bulb, I would maybe consider replacing the capacitor if it contains a capacitor that regulates current.

 

[A. grandis]

I installed the new capacitor and the bulb fired right up, fully like normal. I appreciate everybody’s help with this.

I’m probly going to go ahead and replace the other three starters on the 400 watt ballasts I run. If anybody notices that their metal halide systems are running a little dimmer, and you have determined it’s not the bulb, I would maybe consider replacing the capacitor if it contains a capacitor that regulates current.

Make sure you keep the old capacitors after you replace them, because they are still functioning. They are probably a better quality capacitors then what we have today. I'm glad everything is well. Enjoy your lights! Grow some Acros for me!

Here are the specs on the page you told us from post #3, for future reference:

Data Sheet PDF shot and address:

https://www.capacitorindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/CBB66A-280R486_Lighting_Capacitor.pdf

Again FROM:

CBB66A-280R486 48 uF 280 VAC Capacitor - Lighting - Capacitor Industries

Part Number: CBB66A-280R486 Capacitance: 48 uF (mfd / microfarad) Voltage: 280 VAC Typically used in: HID ballast kit for mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure[...]

www.capacitorindustries.com

 

[Fishy888]

The morass that is mh/ hps certainly isn't my forte..

Thought they were m80 ballasts for hqi metal halides.

Looking back I see the igniter is listed for hps lamps.

Many if not most ballasts are mh/hps these days. Some are even mh/mv ballasts.