China, MH lighting, any good?
 

I have been looking around at some lighting options, just wondering if this MH from China is any good? It will be on a standard 3ft tank.

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com.au/70W-150W-DE-METAL-HALIDE-LAMP-E-Ballast-10-14-20k-bulb_W0QQitemZ150072668991QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20754QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem[/url]

Im a newbie when it comes to MH lighting :-)

Thanks

Unless it is from a semi reputable source I would not even consider.... is the ballast electrical code approved?

Is that because it could be a fire hazard?

its 250 v first off

second.. a ballast is a ballast. unless you care about squeezing a lil extra par from the bulb who cares

replace the bulb tho

what about the reflectors? Are reflectors the same?

I dont think so

I’m in Australia so the voltage is ok, thanks anyway.

More par, is that because they are just better made, quality parts? Why do most people steer away from cheap ballasts? Apart from the obvious reasons.

Are the more expensive ballasts preferred to reach ultimate perfection in their tanks? Or can cheaper mediums be found where it works just as well?

Ultimately for the average hobbyist this ballast would do just fine? Do you think an MH expert could chime in and confirm that? i don't want a debate, i just want to know if it would work and i would see normal coral growth.

Thanks

Skepperz

I think Reflectors are more important than Ballasts.. Thats just me

Well that makes sense to me, the more light you can reflect into the tank the better, what about the quality of light?

Anyone?

the reflector is definitely very low quality. the glass on the reflector doesn't even look clear, but that could just be the pic. The reflector would definitely be the worst part of this system.

Ok what about this one?

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150202010095&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005[/url]

Do you thing the postage would be much from the US?

I also have a proper 120v - 240v converter (heavy thing!)

Iv'e seen a couple of really beautiful and inspiring asian reef tanks using similar reflectors as the first one you posted, not sure of the ballast. I don't think they are a big hazard, but they don't look like they have a great reflector like mentioned by everyone else.