MH not working - any thoughts?

bluemarlin

bluemarlin

Member
I have 3-175w Metal Halide lamps over my tank. One of them just stopped working. The ballast doesn't heat up like the other two do and it appears that maybe its burned out or something. Has anyone ever heard of any "Standard" problems or wear issues with MH lighting?
Let me know if you need the brand name and I'll get it for you. They are the lamps that hang over the aquarium with a 6' cord that goes into a black ballast box. The box has a single toggle switch on it for on/off. They are only about 2 years old.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. At $200+ each these things are not something I want to replace.
 
bluemarlin

bluemarlin

Member
Just to take the "duh" out of this question: Yes I did replace the bulb but it still does not work. The box doesn't even get warm. Yes it is plugged in and switched on. Yes the outlet works.
 
bluemarlin

bluemarlin

Member
I have had the MH lights for about 2.5 years. The lights are the pendant style. I do not know what a cap and coil ballast is. Sorry.
 
richard rendos

richard rendos

Active Member
If you take the metal box cover off, there should be two parts inside and some wire. One part should look like a can. That is the capacitor. If it is bad, take it to your local lighting shop and they can get you a replacement. Discharge it before removing it by holding a rubber handled screw driver on each pole separately. Do NOT touch both poles at the same time.
 
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