Help with ballast problem

[matt2364]

Hello -
My ballast seems to be having some problems and I am wondering if there is anything I can do about it without replacing the whole thing. I have an old 2x175w magnetic ballast and it is powering both bulbs but one bulb is at a much lower spectrum, probably around 6,400K and the other at 14K, it is a very noticeable difference and one side is has been developing some out of control hair algae. I switched bulbs to make sure it was not the bulbs and the spectrum stayed the same. Any ideas?
Anyone know where to get a cheap 2x175w magnetic ballast? I would like to go with an electric ballast but I really do not want to have to change all of the wiring, etc.

 

[scsinet]

So you are saying that the two lamps are identical, but one of them is running at a much more "red" color than the other?
Then you tried replacing the lamp that wasn't looking right, and the problem remained with the new lamp?
If those two things are correct, you are definitely dealing with a ballast issue. It sounds to me like the ballast is severely underpowering the lamp.
You should be able to get a regular core&coil replacement ballast kit and simply open your ballast enclosure, unbolt the old ballast, and put the new one in it's place.
There are several places online, or there is that famous site where you bid on stuff. Just google "M57 Ballast" and you should find a number of places. You either want a 120v ballast or a "multitap" ballast.

 

[jimvette1]

SCSInet is correct, sounds like you have a ballast problem but I want you to check one more thing.
Unplug the cord first, and check the wiring to the light sockets to make sure they are making a good connection.
A loose or burnt wire at the socket could give you the same problem.
This is a long shot but just make sure you aren't replacing a good ballast.
As far as replacing your ballast with the cooler running electric ballast, it will cost more and the wiring could be different, your choice.
If you need help with the wiring just ask.

SCSInet :"there is that famous site where you bid on stuff"

good call

 

[matt2364]

Will the ballast kit that I need get be for to power two lamps or are there just two seperate ballasts inside of the ballast that I have that each power one lamp?

 

[scsinet]

Two bulb halide ballasts are very rare, and costly enough that I doubt that's what you have.
Open the box and check just to be sure.

 

[jimvette1]

Some manufacturers center tap the secondary of the ballast to run two bulbs and some run the bulbs in series so one ballast can light two bulbs, but SCSInet is correct, open that puppy up and tell us what you see.

And of course, anytime you work on electricity unplug that light.

 

[salt210]

most of our 2 or 3 bulb ballasts are boxes that hold all the ballasts together instead of there being just 1 ballast that lights them all