Startup stagger

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Midnight_Madman, Aug 1, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Midnight_Madman

    Midnight_Madman Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2004
    Messages:
    1,077
    Location:
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    Here's my theory.
    For months I have been going crazy wondering why one bulb burns a different color then the other. I would switch the plugs, switch the bulbs etc and it was always different.
    I was using two timers, one would start the ballast and fire the 1st bulb at x time and the other would start the ballast at y time.
    It dawned on my that maybe the heat generated from the first ballast running about 2 hours in the ballast box was causing the second ballast to improperly ignite the second bulb!?
    I switch the timer to fire both bulbs at the exact same time and both bulbs burn the same color now! Has ANYONE ever experienced this before?
     
    Midnight_Madman, Aug 1, 2011
    Midnight_Madman, Aug 1, 2011
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2010
    Messages:
    10,056
    Location:
    Northwest Ohio
    That's weird. I've not heard of that happening before. u suppose it makes sense though. maybe you should buy a separate timer. haha
     
    Seano Hermano, Aug 5, 2011
    Seano Hermano, Aug 5, 2011
    #2