Question about changing MH ballast

Casey8 · #1 12-09-2011, 01:12 AM

I am wondering how often do you need to change your MH ballast, or do you use it forever ? I have a ballast that I have been using for over 3 years now, do I need to change it like we change bulbs, maybe not as often as bulbs. How can you tell if it is too old and when to get a new one ? Boxing day is coming soon, I think I'd better ask now so I can add it on my list.

Maverick00 · #2 12-09-2011, 03:11 AM

im not sure if the performance of the ballast decreases with time or not? I didnt think it did but i suppose having a backup on hand if you can get one for a good deal wouldnt hurt. Im assuming most people run a ballast until they kick the bucket or upgrade.

lastlight · #3 12-09-2011, 03:14 AM

Use them until they die I've never heard anything to indicate they lose potency. When they do die you either get a replacement if you can find one (electronic is easy) or if you're faced with no other options you downgrade to one of the other many types of lighting out there such as LED.

mike31154 · #4 12-09-2011, 03:26 AM

Is your MH ballast electronic or good old magnetic coil & capacitor? If it's older type magnetic, the capacitor will generally be the weak link & age as time goes by. Pretty easy to tell usually, since your lamp won't fire or takes longer than usual. In most cases the capacitor itself is easily replaced & ballast good as new again. Coil or transformer is pretty bullet proof. New electronic MH ballasts are sealed units & not repairable. They will simply die at some point & the whole thing is trash.

Casey8 · #5 12-09-2011, 03:34 AM

Thanks for your input, you guys ... I am happy to know that I don't need to buy a new ballast, I can save a hundred dollars to spend on something else. Mine is an electronic one, so I think I am safe for a long time.

isaac1 · #6 12-09-2011, 03:39 AM

Just switch to t5ho or led there becomming twice as efficenct and will save your power bill there a bit pricy but worth the investment

gregzz4 · #7 12-09-2011, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

or if you're faced with no other options you downgrade to one of the other many types of lighting out there such as LED.

Maverick00 · #8 12-09-2011, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzz4

I found the comment unfair as well, alittle biased anyway :P

Casey8 · #9 12-09-2011, 03:49 AM

I wish

but no money though

isaac1 · #10 12-09-2011, 03:59 AM

i have a 400 watt custom built mh with 7 built in blue atinic mini lamps there is nothing wrong with it all and it has grown amazing corals thow because it has a ballast it cost roughly 48 dollers on my electrical were as my 6 bulb t5ho cost 5 dollers and produces a much more efficent light spectrim with out the risks of fire or over heating to each there own