Coralife Aguapro series

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by truck24000, Jan 25, 2008.

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  1. truck24000

    truck24000 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Sep 19, 2007
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    I have had my lights going for 4 days now and i have noticed that one of the external ballasts for the 150w HQI lights is getting REALLY REALLY hot almost to the point that you cant touch it without getting burned
    any ideals or help in fixing this would be great

    They are on a timer and only on for 7 hours during the day
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2008
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  3. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    Ballasts do get really really hot.
    Are both MH ballasts in one housing?

    I'm going to assume 1 ballast has 2 MH ballasts inside and you have a second running your PCs

    J
     
  4. MDeth

    MDeth Feather Star

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    Pop it open and install some fans if you have the know-how.
     
  5. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    Not sure how its encased ? But its just iron core transformer what I'd do is put some aluminum flashing on a flat section or plywood and then set or mount the ballast to the board and the alum. will serve and a heat sink and pull the heat off just make the flashing 3 inches or more larger then the ballast foot print I'd guess they are encased in a black metal box ? thats what most do take a 25.00 transformer and a switch and a 3.00 metal box and sell them for 150.00 ):
     
  6. truck24000

    truck24000 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Location:
    Cambridge, Ontario Canada
    the 2 HQI lights each has there own external ballast while one gets really hot the other is not as hot.
    the acintics have a internal ballest built into the canapy
    i heard of placing them on a brick as that is a great insulater against heat as well as providing air flow under the ballast
     
  7. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    if its getting that hot then the ballast is going bad and could cause a fire. ballasts get warm but not like your describing. heat means a short of some kind, which will eventually get worse. its best to call the manufacturer if there new and have them replace it. anything electronic has no guarantee it will work right even from the factory. if its not new, i hope you know how to do electronic work.