PC Lighting Problem-Help?

[i_derby63]

I have a Coralife PC unit over my 55 gal. I just noticed today that the 10k lamps came on as normal but the actinics will not come on. Advice needed on if it's the ballast for the actinic bulbs...perhaps something else? Any info on troubleshooting this light would be appreciated. I have moved the 10k lamps into the actinic plug and same problem...so that removes the bulbs from the equation.
Thanks in advance!

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by i_derby63
http:///forum/post/2613560
I have a Coralife PC unit over my 55 gal. I just noticed today that the 10k lamps came on as normal but the actinics will not come on. Advice needed on if it's the ballast for the actinic bulbs...perhaps something else? Any info on troubleshooting this light would be appreciated. I have moved the 10k lamps into the actinic plug and same problem...so that removes the bulbs from the equation.
Thanks in advance!
If you've eliminated the bulb, there are really only two other options to my knowledge; a short or a ballast. Do you have a local electronics store (like radioshack) that could check it out for you?

 

[i_derby63]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I didn't think you could take them somewhere to be tested. I'm tearing into the hood now...thinking I might be able to swap the wiring to single out the ballast...thoughts?

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by i_derby63
http:///forum/post/2613593
Thanks for the reply. I guess I didn't think you could take them somewhere to be tested. I'm tearing into the hood now...thinking I might be able to swap the wiring to single out the ballast...thoughts?
I've only been into the Coralifes, the ballasts are there, but difficult to access (small area ~ tight fit), and the wiring is a bit of a nightmare. Shouldn't need to swap wiring, just trace the wires from the bulbs that aren't lighting - should take you to the malfunctioning ballast.

 

[i_derby63]

Thanks Scopus...you were right on the $. I took it all apart tested one last time (swapping bulbs-tapping here, tapping there)...and then wrote down the ballast info to get the lights back over the tank so I could get online to order a new one. After getting it all back together the darn thing is working perfect. Had to be a short somewhere...going to keep an eye on it and tear it back down this weekend to go thru each connection once I have a bigger chunk of time available.
Thanks again!!

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by i_derby63
http:///forum/post/2613668
Thanks Scopus...you were right on the $. I took it all apart tested one last time (swapping bulbs-tapping here, tapping there)...and then wrote down the ballast info to get the lights back over the tank so I could get online to order a new one. After getting it all back together the darn thing is working perfect. Had to be a short somewhere...going to keep an eye on it and tear it back down this weekend to go thru each connection once I have a bigger chunk of time available.
Thanks again!!
Glad I could help. Good luck finding the short.