250W Iwasaki ballast problem

[AJReef]

Hey there,

My IC 250W Iwasaki ballast has been experiencing the same bugs as many others have; not starting at all, or shutting off by itself, and the problem is growing more frequent over time.

I know that you've offered to install a restart feature in the ballasts of users that have this problem, and I'd certainly like to take you up on the offer. The problem is, my tank would be utterly lightless for whatever length of time this would take (shipping to IC, getting the repair, shipping back to me). What's the turn-around time on this repair, and is there any way to get a loaner ballast or something in the interim? I have a lot of high light-loving animals, and a couple days with no light wouldn't be too fun for them.

For the record, I'm nothing but impressed with the level of service I've seen from IC, and am happy with the performance of my ballast (when it's not shutting off or not starting at all) on the whole. Just want to do what's best for the tank, is all.

Thanks!

Aaron

[IceCap Service]

We can offer same day service on your ballast. We will repair it and return ship to you the same day. Give us a call at 1-800-742-3227 and let us know when to expect your ballast so we can take care of it promptly.

[ASH]

Or

From IceCap:

Aaron,
Please call 1-800-742-3227 ext. 0 and ask Darlene about an advance swap. We would need a credit card number for
security but could ship something out today. Explain that you need an MHI with re-start added. It will go out UPS ground.

Till then, depending on the timer you have, set it to go on (for example) at 9:00 AM and 9:03 AM to give it an extra shot. If there are more than one device coming on at the same time as you ballast, it might lower your available voltage and cause the problem. Even so, the re-starter will solve that.

Andy

[AJReef]

Thanks, Andy:

I'll call today.

It's gratifying to see such excellent customer service and corporate responsibility in today's world. If you want brand loyalty, this is how to win it, folks. IC gets first look for my future lighting needs, for sure.

By the way, I have two IC fans, as well, and love 'em. Quiet and efficient and worth every nickle.

--Aaron

[AJReef]

I got the temporary ballast IceCap was nice enough to send me to replace mine to get the restart feature installed. I was glad to receive it, and thank you for sending it so promptly (just arrived yesterday).

However. . . the new ballast seems to have more problems than mine. Whereas mine sometimes doesn't light or goes out soon after lighting, this new ballast goes on for a few minutes, then dims to nearly off, then brightens, over and over, and then turns off for a while, then goes on. . .it's a little maddening, since the tank's in the living room. I put my ballast back on, because at least when that one goes on it tends to stay on. Any idea what I should do, here? I really want to make the IceCap work, both because the service has been so good and because I hope to benefit from the technology; but I don't want the tank to suffer due to lack of light, or stress from constantly dimming and brightening lights (with the new ballast). Any ideas? Should I keep my original ballast and send your replacement back? Or what?

Thanks, guys. I'm willing to work a bit to see if this can work out.

--Aaron

[ASH]

Aaron,
Send back the replacement with a copy of this thread. We will send you a new ballast, with re-start and solve this for good.
Thanks for your patience,
Andy

[AJReef]

Andy/Other Icecap rep:

Just FYI, I had to go out of town on business in North Carolina for a while, so just got this reply; I'll send the replacement ballast back to you ASAP (probably tomorrow) along with a copy of the thread. Hope you didn't think I was ignoring you; just didn't have web access (or much time, really) while I was away.

(Also hope I wasn't charged for the ballast since I wasn't able to return it earlier! If not, please hold off! It's coming!)

Thanks again,

Aaron