LF: RSM C250 39w T5 Ballast

[chutsk10]

Probably a long shot but I have to replace 2 - 39w T5 ballasts on my RSM C250.

Wondering if anyone has some lying around or perhaps an old RSM C250 hood. Would be interested in that too.

Thanks.

[corallivore]

reef supplies was able to get them in from Red Sea for me....

[chutsk10]

Recently? Thought I read on other boards that RedSea doesn't carry replacements anymore.

I'll reach out to Reef Supplies.

Thanks.

[corallivore]

I was able to get a Reef Supplies to order from Red Sea near the end of 2022.

[smokinreefer]

I'm not familiar with the RSM...

I have 2 ballasts that will work, but they are from a retro kit, so they are each in a bulky housing.

I'm guessing you want just the bare ballasts so they fit inside a hood?
Have you tried just going to an electrical shop with part numbers and specs and seeing what alternatives they have? Really the only thing is trying to find one the same physical size so it will fit nicely.

For example, Grainger has a ballast for $40.
https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/E...277/p/GGE4KGG2

[corallivore]

It's a PITA.

There are a few forums out there that detail some adventures trying to find a viable replacement where some other models are suggested but they seem to be just as hard to find as the Jamicon ones from Red Sea.

I've redone ballasts on these at least 5 times.

Last time I felt I should have just retrofitted rather than buy the ballasts.

[chutsk10]

Thanks for the info everyone. I have some ATI ballasts coming today that appear to be the right size. Also have an inquiry out to Reef Supplies about Red Sea replacements.

[chutsk10]

So, the ATI Ballasts from Reef Supplies are a suitable working replacement to the stock ballasts.

Only difference, is that the ATI are 6 wire, while the RSM are 7. You just leave out the middle wire and everything works. (The middle wire is there so if one bulb burns out of the 2, the other works. Without it, one burned out bulb makes the second not work either. Minor inconvenience).

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

[corallivore]

Are those ATI's also dimmable?

[chutsk10]

I bough non-dimmable ATI ballasts because the RSM C250 comes stock with non-dimmable ballasts.

Reef Supplies does have dimmable ATI ballasts but I am not sure if or how that would work.