Help Finding Appropriate Ballast

[swirve]

Hi,
 
Recently a fair amount of water got into my lighting unit while it was on, which got quickly hot before I turned it off, I then gave it two days to dry out....
 
I replaced the starter switches to start with as the tubes were not lighting up, and now it does, but immediately one of the ballasts get boiling hot and sizzles....
 
So was wondering if I could just replace this part, however I'm struggling to find the part...see attached picture......all the ones online either have little detail or pictures and seem to be variations....
 
Lighting unit is a Roma 200 for a Fluval tank...the tank itself was second hand, and has 2 x 30 watt T8 bulbs, not aware of anything being changed and ran fine until the accident, so assuming the ballast is the original item, there is two of them with one connected to the other by a wire?
 
Any help would be appreciated in locating an online provider in the UK for a suitable replacement.
 
Dale

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
Yes, you could just replace the ballast with another of the same rating..
 
One thing to consider.. It might be more cost effective in the long run to replace both ballasts with a single electronic ballast.
This will allow you to remove the starters permanently (not required for an electronic ballast).
 
You will get slightly longer tube life, slightly lower energy consumption (the overall lighting system would be more efficient) and you would also get tube monitoring functionality (the ballast shuts off under fault/tube end of life). These faults (a failing tube) can destroy a magnetic ballast/tube sockets.
 
You'll need a ballast that supports 2x30W T8.. It would appear that you have 2 wires from each tube. This means that you must use a cold cathode ballast. It is important to get the correct type (as this is dictated by the existing wiring).
 
Could you double check the number of wires from each tube and I'll advise accordingly. Could you also confirm the tube specs.
 
BTW, The existing ballasts are underspecified for 30W tubes.
 
Bodge99

 

[swirve]

Thanks,
 
Picture 1


one half


other half


Hopefully that is clear enough otherwise I can try and draw it somehow?
 
first tube: arcadia original tropical FO30
second tube: classica FY30
 
Also what would be the recommended electronic ballast?
 
Thanks
Dale


Brown wire goes into 1st ballast, next to a white wire which comes out the 1st ballast and into the 2nd
 
The 1st ballast also has another white wire which goes straight to a tube
 
The 2nd ballast has another white wire going into the starter
 
The remaining white wires are between the starters and the tubes
 
The blue wire has a connector which then has two white wires, each going to a tube at the other end

 

[bodge99]

Hello,
 
Superb!!
 
Your pictures show 2 wires per tube socket... this means that you can use any type of electronic ballast...
I've just had a quick look on Ebay.... No cold cathode ballasts at this time (uses 1 connection per tube end).
 
No problem, you can also use any hot cathode type (2 wires per tube socket).
 
The cheapest 30W that I've found is:
 
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIDONIC-ATCO-2-x-30W-T8-HF-ELECTRONIC-BALLAST-/221198310131?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3380725af3  £17.95 + £3.95 p+p
 
If you look around, you may find something cheaper.. try for 2x30W T8, 2x32W T8 or even 2x35W T8 (must be T8). This said, it's best to get a unit rated for your tubes. I would use one of the other ratings if the price was right!
 
You can get dimmable versions for a little more (normally just needs a waterproof momentary push to make switch.).
 
A couple of things to consider... will the replacement ballast fit into your housing? You'll need to check the dimensions for fit.
 
You'll also need to alter the wiring slightly... normally 0.5 sq.mm - 1.0 sq mm solid core wiring is used (Must be solid core!). If you are stuck, then obtain a few of metres of 1 sq mm lighting cable (ebay, electrical wholesaler or even BandQ at a pinch!)
Look for something like this:
 
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1mm-twin-and-earth-lighting-cable-0-99p-per-m-Free-earth-sleeving-/221201156188?pt=UK_BOI_Materials_Supplies_Electrical_ET&hash=item33809dc85c
 
There is also 4, 5 or 6 way cables available... just get the cheapest/best value.
You'll need to strip off the grey outer sheath and use the individual insulated cores (dump the bare earth wire!).
 
You will obviously need to make connections to extend the old wiring.. Use connector blocks or solder them and use 2 layers of heat shrink tubing if you have the skills. Please **DON'T** just twist the wires together and use insulating tape! it **WILL** sweat off after a while. (Also, don't use bell wire!)
 
You need to remove the starters and associated wiring completely... these are not required for any electronic ballast.
 
Ideally, the wiring pair for each tube end should be the same length.. I wouldn't worry too much about this.. but try to keep each conductor in each pair the same length if possible... if you see what I mean!
 
When you obtain your ballast, look on the ballast housing. If you could post a picture of the schematic printed on the case then I'll talk you through making the connections. It really is easy to do.. but I appreciate that a bit of moral support might be welcome.
 
Any questions then just post here.. I visit the site a couple of times a day.
 
Bodge99.

 

[swirve]

Thank you appreciated