Is there a reason...

[Clown Monarch]

my metal halide lights don't turn on until I've flipped the switch 5-10 times? This simply won't work with a timer.

It's a 250w ballast and bulb - brand new, here:

http://diyreef.com/shop/product_inf...id=83&osCsid=08d3f6e9bc2f3484307880d4061f758f

Is it a matter of working the bulb in? Is the ballast just not strong enough? I now noticed that an Icecap ballast is an extra $15 - would that help? Is it a better ballast? What if I used a 175w bulb instead?

 

[reefrunner69]

If you use a 175W buld it won't light at all....or it will explode.

Sometimes they will work with a timer when they won't start with the switch, if it were me I would take it up with the vendor and look for a replacement.

 

[Clown Monarch]

Maybe I'll give them a call and see what they say.

 

[Bang Guy]

When you turn on the switch do you leave it on for a few minutes? They don't flip on instantly like incandescent bulbs.

 

[Clown Monarch]

I turn it on and most the time it flickers and goes off after 5-6 seconds, once in a while it actually lights. If it doesn't light within the first 2 seconds, it doesn't seem to do anything after that. How much time would it generally take?

 

[Clown Monarch]

Well, Bang Guy, you were right - after some testing it generally takes about 10 minutes to fire up.

Thanks for the help, guys!

 

[Bang Guy]

Glad I could help. It'll probably start to light up faster once it's broken in.