Magnetic ballast safety concern--should I switch mine to electronic?

[New2Reefs]

Hi there everybody,

Well, I FINALLY decided on my light fixture. I bought the Outer Orbit Pro 250 watt HQI/T5 light fixture, which will be suspended on the ceiling over an open tank. It came with two magnetic ballasts--boy, those suckers are heavy--and because I've read they can get really hot (no fires, please! ) I'm concerned about safety with them. Would it be better if I get two electronic ones instead? Has anybody done this with this particular fixture? Any advice you guys could give me on this would be much appreciated.;;

[Reefland]

The magnetic ballasts you have are fine. They do get hot, but should be simple enough to make sure they are sitting someplace safe.

[charlie]

What I have done in the past is cut up some 2x4s, and set the ballasts on them, so the air can get all around them. This has kept my ballasts safe for the last 3 years.

[New2Reefs]

Thanks, guys, for the quick replies. Whew, I'm relieved. One more question--how far away from the fixture should I keep the ballasts--should they be mounted on the wall?

[charlie]

Thanks, guys, for the quick replies. Whew, I'm relieved. One more question--how far away from the fixture should I keep the ballasts--should they be mounted on the wall?

The distance doesn't matter really, wherever it is convenient for you would be my opinion.

[Reefland]

If possible, I would put them on the floor inside the stand or next to the aquarium.

[weez1959]

I wouldn't worry either, I've had mine for almost a year now and I haven't seen anything happen, they don't heat up that much and it's not like they run 24 hours a day either.
I keep both of mine in the top of the closet where the sump is. The closet door is always open unless I actually have a guest sleep in that room, then I close it before bed and open it in the morning.

[New2Reefs]

Great! Thanks again! Now I've got a couple ideas of where to put them.

[CSeaSee]

I keep mine remotely as well- first in a closet at my old apartment, directly behind the tank- ran the wire through the wall. Now at my house, the ballast is in the room underneath my staircase- same scenario. Mine always emits a low hum when the lights come on, then gets quiet as it heats up.