Dead Ballast or Bulbs??

I have a Coral Life Aqualight Pro retrofit system, the two 96w PC's stopped working a few days ago... I don't know if its the bulbs or the Ballast. I hate to spend any more $$ on PC's if the ballast is bad.

Anyone know how I can test the ballast without access to replacement bulbs

 

I am not sure how to test them but, I have two new retro 96watt retro fit with, bulbs, reflectors. I set them up in my hood tested them and I now decided to go with MH. Are you interested let me know.

 

If two bulbs went out at the same time, that would point to the ballast or the wiring. You may be able to get a replacement under warranty?

 

For what it's worth, I've had two faulty ballasts on my Coralife for my 150 W MH bulbs.

The first ballast had a broken switch which would cause the light to flicker, and trip my circuit breaker. I just got a replacement today, and it's simply not working at all.

The one I got today looks like a refurb that they didn't refurb quite so well.

I've also had a problem with one of the mounting legs. It kept falling off.

All in all, I'm not so impressed by Coralife's build quality. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on the ballasts being at fault.

 

Thanks for the input...

The PC's were supplemental to my MH lighting and the bulbs were due to be replaced in a few months anyway. Rather than buy new ballasts and bulbs, I am going to experiment with LED supplemental lighting. Going to be expensive but also a lot of fun, likely will end up saving money in the long run anyway...

Thanks;

 

Let us know what you think about LEDs after you've tried them! I'm very interested in getting an LED fixture, but not sure what the results will be and don't want to take any chances.

 

Update:

Replaced my PC 03 lighting with six Current USA Powerbright 460nm modules. The results are fantastic, not as bright as the 180 watts of PC lighting for sure; but the color is a much richer blue and looks fantastic! Paired with the MH lighting during the day the corals have a nice glow to them that I did not notice near as much with the PC’s. As evening lighting the six led strips (4 leds per strip) provide ample sunset effect light and really cause the corals to fluoresce nicely. Overall I am really impressed with these modules just not with the $350.00 cost for the retrofit!

 

That's good to know. We may have to look into those Thanks for the update!