Fixing a CF strip light

[trilinearmipmap]

I have an All-Glass 2 x 55 Watt strip light. It burnt out over the weekend, I think the ballast is gone. Does anyone know what is a goo replacement ballast that will be safe to use?

[mr_alberta]

A Fulham Workhorse 5 or 7 should do the trick.

[trilinearmipmap]

Thanks, what is the difference between a Workhorse 5 and and a Workhorse 7 and which is better to get?

Also has anyone taken one of these striplights apart before, how do I get the reflector off without breaking it, so I can work on the ballast?

[DiscusZ]

I think the Workhorse 7 can handle uptp 220 watts and the 5 is a little lower wattage (correct me if I am wrong)

I have a WH 7 here that I am going to use to fire up some 110 watt VHO when I get my canopy built

[Dabbler]

A workhorse 5 will fire 2 55 watt cf's. It is good for 110 watts of light, the workhorse 7 is good for 220 watts of light or 4-55 watt bulbs.

[trilinearmipmap]

Thanks.

Who can recommend a good place to buy workhorse ballasts in Canada, and what is a reasonable price?

[Dabbler]

I get mine from http://www.brite-lite.com they don't have them on there website but if you call them they do carry them(they are based in Calgary). I think I paid some where around $30-$40 for mine...(I can't find my receit for it right now) they also carry 6500k cf 55watt bulbs for about $13

[Samw]

Thanks.

Who can recommend a good place to buy workhorse ballasts in Canada, and what is a reasonable price?

Are you sure the ballast is dead? How old is the bulb? Was it the same bulb that you got from me? That bulb would be about 2+ years old now.

You can also get Workhorse ballasts and replacement GE9325K bulbs at Albrite in Coquitlam. http://www.albritelighting.com/

[trilinearmipmap]

The ballast was dead, it was a 2-bulb unit, tried just replacing the bulbs and it didn't work.

I ripped a Workhorse 5 out of another fixture I had laying around and used it for a replacement ballast, it works fine.

I need to get a spare ballast anyway to have on hand and the 9325K bulbs for my plant tank.

By they way if anyone is doing this in the future apparently the Workhorse 5's will run 2 x 55 Watt straight pin pc bulbs but for the square pin variety you need a Workhorse 7, don't ask me why.