need Help w MH Power failures

sdascher

sdascher

Member
I have always had the power compacts until about 8 months ago - I went with a new MH fixture with two 175w double ended bulbs & I love it, my corals love it ...... but I have them on power strips (cheap) but with surge protection but I am blowing bulbs everytime we loose power for a few seconds and I think I know why!!! It shuts them down OK, but turns them back on after about 5 seconds before I can get across the room!!! WHAT do you guys do??? What do I need to buy that when we lose power, ( and it seems to often) they will not come back on until I turn them on????
Thanks for any info or ideas.
 
thegrog

thegrog

Active Member
Not the cheapest option, but it will work.
Get a UPS (Uninterupted Power Supply) from Best Buy. Does not have to be a big one if all you are looking for is a few seconds of power. Just make sure it can handle the wattage. 350W is small by many computer standards (most come with 400-500W power supplies standard now). What this will do is provide a continous supply of power when the power flickers or goes out. The problem is that if power is totally out, the lights will be running off of battery. With the amount of energy that halides can go through, a small battery won't last long.
So, if all you want is a few seconds of power, than a $150 UPS will do you fine and you won't blow any bulbs (which adds up $$ quickly). If you need 45 min to several hours of power, then you will be spending $300-$400 for a larger unit.
Hope this helps!
 
keith burn

keith burn

Active Member
money better spent look at this...
The Reefkeeper 2
Digital Light Timer
Wavemaker (with softstart)
Feed mode
Night mode
Digital thermometer and temp control (temp probe included)
Temperature fan/chiller control
Metal halide “sure-on”
8 programmable channels (No need for separate X-10 devices)
High power design: 15A total power, 6A per channel
Resistive or inductive loads
User optically isolated from AC power
Splash proof face plate
Microprocessor design
Internal backup battery for clock and settings
Simple menu system for easy configuration
Display box can mount flush to cabinet for professional look
Compact and stylish design
the metal halide sure-on will help then come on slowly will try to find out more.
 
sdascher

sdascher

Member
Odyssea, version 4 - 2X175W MH & 2X96W Compact fluorescents -
Someone had also suggested that Itry to find a power strip that when the power is interupted, you have to manually reset it. It doesn't come back on .... that would work also if I knew what to look for!!!
Thanks for the response!!
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by sdascher
I have always had the power compacts until about 8 months ago - I went with a new MH fixture with two 175w double ended bulbs & I love it, my corals love it ...... but I have them on power strips (cheap) but with surge protection but I am blowing bulbs everytime we loose power for a few seconds and I think I know why!!! It shuts them down OK, but turns them back on after about 5 seconds before I can get across the room!!! WHAT do you guys do??? What do I need to buy that when we lose power, ( and it seems to often) they will not come back on until I turn them on????
Thanks for any info or ideas.

Hey, are you saying that your MH bulbs are actually destroyed when your power returns? If so, I've never heard of that... not to say it's wrong... maybe I've just never experienced it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top