kilmca Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I have a 400w PFO HQI Ballast that is not working correctly. It will work properly for about 4 hours and then it will shut down for a few minutes and then come back on for a few and shut off for a few. It repeats this for the rest of the day. Anyone familiar with these ballasts and able to repair them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Have you tried a different bulb on it to see if it's that and not the ballast? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilmca Posted December 4, 2009 Author Share Posted December 4, 2009 yeah it's the ballast, i've tried 2 different bulbs. these bulbs work fine in my other 400w setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 You can gut the whole enclosure and replace the internals pretty cheap if you're comfortable with electricity. Platt electrical supply carries most 400w MH stuff. I'm pretty sure it's a Son Agro 430w HPS ballast inside. You could also run a Pulse Start M135 if you don't want to overdrive the bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 First thing I would do is take it apart and check for any loose connections. If your not comfortable doing this let me know and I can do it. If it's a bad component then it may be a bit harder to track down but a loose connection could be the culprit so I would check that first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePremiumAquarium Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I have one that is also out. I think I need a new capacitor but am unsure of which one to purchase. Anyone have any hints or suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I have one that is also out. I think I need a new capacitor but am unsure of which one to purchase. Anyone have any hints or suggestions? How many capacitors are in it? I think it will only be one unless it's a dual ballast. If so then all of the information should be on the side of the capacitor. (If it's a magnetic ballast then it will be essentially just a transformer and capacitor so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out which is which) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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