Phoenix problem

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by JeremyW, Oct 5, 2011.

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  1. JeremyW

    JeremyW Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    After reading up on how much everyone loves their phoenix bulb I went ahead and ordered one. I have a pennant style mogul bulb. When I first plugged it in it fired up fine, doing the things MH bulbs do. worked the first day then the second day it didnt come on. I adjusted the bulb and it flickered and came on. the third day same thing, then the 4th day I couldnt get it to come on at all. I left it plugged in knowing that they have a break in period and occationally it would come on. I have switched back to my old bulb to give my reef some light, and switch to my phoenix bulb after my normal time cycle. It almost never comes on. The Marine Depot email support has been great and issued me an rma. But they did mention to me that phoenix bulbs require a pulse start or electronic ballast. They will not fire on a magnetic probe start ballast. I have an older mh pennant so I am assuming it is electronic ballast. How can I tell? Ive never heard of magnetic probe? Is there anything else I should try before I rma this bulb?
     
    JeremyW, Oct 5, 2011
    JeremyW, Oct 5, 2011
    #1

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  2. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    A Picture of the ballast would help. there should be a label with model name and # too. if the ballast is over 10lbs then its most deifinitely a magnetic ballast.
     
    Night-Rida, Oct 5, 2011
    Night-Rida, Oct 5, 2011
    #2
  3. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    I just got the exact same bulb but I'm using it with a Galaxy e-ballast. Def take a quick shot of your ballast so we can help.
     
    MoJoe, Oct 5, 2011
    MoJoe, Oct 5, 2011
    #3
  4. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    also would like to note if there is a humming sound coming out of the ballast while running then its a magentic one.
     
    Night-Rida, Oct 5, 2011
    Night-Rida, Oct 5, 2011
    #4
  5. wesley p

    wesley p Flamingo Tongue

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    I got two k-2 viper mh 150W mh lights when i power one of them up the ballast hummes louder than normal and the bulb flickers pretty bad then it will stop and do it every now and then is my ballast gowing ba?The bulb is brand new
     
    wesley p, Nov 9, 2011
    wesley p, Nov 9, 2011
    #5
  6. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    they are HQI spec'd. So, if your running a 150W, the ballast should say "ANSI M81" or "ANSI M81E". For 250W, "M80" or "M80E"...

    Some HQI bulbs don't seem to do well with the"E" versions, but the Phoenix is pretty flexible.
     
    m2434, Nov 9, 2011
    m2434, Nov 9, 2011
    #6

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  7. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    May sound silly but did you check the contact inside the base? MAKE sure its unplugged and try pulling it out a bit with a thin screwdriver.
     
    Midnight_Madman, Nov 10, 2011
    Midnight_Madman, Nov 10, 2011
    #7
  8. wesley p

    wesley p Flamingo Tongue

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    what do you mean the contact at the base? Are you talking about the cord running to my light?
     
    wesley p, Nov 10, 2011
    wesley p, Nov 10, 2011
    #8
  9. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

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    I mean inside the socket where the end of the bulb touches.
     
    Midnight_Madman, Nov 10, 2011
    Midnight_Madman, Nov 10, 2011
    #9