A DHC-8's nose landing gear did not extend during approach. While on delaying vectors the 'ALTERNATE LANDING GEAR EXTENSION' checklist was run. The nose gear extended to a normal position. An emergency was not declared.

Narrative

I was the pilot flying on a visual approach. I called for gear down at about 2;000 FT AGL. First Officer noticed a red nose light illuminate without a green nose light; and the left and right main gear green lights illuminated. First Officer called the Tower and told him we were going missed and that we had a problem with the gear. We left the gear down and Tower instructed us to fly a 300 degree heading and climb and maintain 3;000 FT. The First Officer pushed the condition levers to maximum and I climbed at 120 KTS. When I leveled at 3;000 FT; I never exceeded more than 130 KTS. We were handed over to Departure and asked what our intentions were. We stated we wanted delaying vectors and wanted to run the checklist. I asked the First Officer to get out the emergency checklist. He did and we ran the Alternate Landing Gear Extension checklist. We got all 3 green lights illuminated and the red nose light went out. We confirmed 3 green with the alternate gear locked down indicator. I asked Approach to vector us for landing and asked the First Officer to brief the Flight Attendant and the passengers. He told the Flight Attendant that we had a problem with our gear and executed a go-around; but the problem was fixed and we would be back on the ground in 5-10 minutes. We did not brace the passengers. He then told the passengers that we did a missed approach and that we would be landing in 10 minutes. I did not declare an emergency and I did not ask for Crash Fire Rescue. We landed and taxied to the gate without further incident. I called my Dispatcher and maintenance after the incident and debriefed my First Officer and Flight Attendant.