Picked up a used ATI today..question

[Thunder_reef]

I found a used ATI 48 inch 8 bulb fixture today, was dirt cheap and needs all 3 fans replaced but that’s not too bad. I was curious about ballasts and see that ATI ballasts are no where to be found. Does anyone know what my options are for replacement ballasts if I need them? Will any 2 bulb 54 watt t5 ballast work?

 

[Kristopher Conlin]

I have ordered ati ballasts from BRS before. It looks like BRS and ATI are both sold out at the moment which is unfortunate.

You could always email them and see when they plan on getting them back in stock.

Im not sure if any 54 watt would work but I would check the wiring diagrams of any you find. If they have the same wiring I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[SilvermistInc]

T5 HO ballasts are basically almost all the same. Always safe to double check though.

 

[spsick]

ATI replacement parts are available from them direct:

ATI North America Store

ATI North America – Your premier destination for top-notch aquarium essentials. Dive into a world of quality products, from lighting solutions to accessories. Elevate your aquatic experience with ease. Shop now for excellence in every detail.

store.atinorthamerica.com

edit: ope 54w ballast backordered

 

[Thunder_reef]

Yep…those ballasts are either listed as back order or discontinued

 

[Big E]

You can purchase the T5 HO Advance ballasts. They cost more than the HEP ballasts but are the correct spec ballast.

They are very long so I'm not sure if it will fit. but you can also buy the 4 bulb ballast for around 40.

There are a multitude of the online light retailers that carry it in stock. Two bulb---

ADVANCE(tm) CENTIUM 54W T5/HO fluorescent lamp ballast

ADVANCE(tm) CENTIUM 54W T5/HO fluorescent lamp ballast; for one or two 55W and 49W energy saving lamps

www.bulbwizards.com

There are probably other ballast makers as well but make sure to stay away from Workhorse or any of these type of cheap ballasts that are not the right spec.

 

[ATI North America]

T5 HO ballasts are basically almost all the same. Always safe to double check though.

While they may all fire bulbs the same there are some significant differences in ballasts. If you wish to rewire the fixture you can likely make many work, but they are not all wired the same so you cannot just pop in a different brand and fire it up.

That said nearly a year ago we discovered a problem with the 54w non dimmable ballast that has resulted in a buzzing noise. We have worked with ATI Germany, HEP (who makes the ballast) we have sent a fixture to the lab.... No one can yet determine why they now buzz.

You can use a Dimmable ballast, but they are considerably more expensive and require an additional wire to be used/added in the fixture to work.