Magnetic Ballast vs Electronic Ballast, help me understand

[etrigo29]

Basically the title says it all.

After using t5's for the last 3 tanks I'm going back to MH. THe primary reason is that I didn't want to get a 29" tall tank, so the longest starphire tank Oceanic makes is the 156 which is 60" long. I know stupid cause theres like 3 fixtures that are 60" long, so I'm stuck with a canopy.

My plan is using two 175 iwaski 14K bulbs on lumenarc fixtures. Know heres where I'm confused. I can get a bluewave ballast w/pulse start for 65 dollars, but its magnetic or I can get the Icecap 175electronic ballast for 119 each.

Now, is there a difference as far as performance between the two that justify the price difference?? Also, from my reading and using the "search" function that my understand is the electronic ballasts allow you to use various other bulbs like Ushio that otherwise would require specific types of magnetic ballasts.

Thank you in advance.

[etrigo29]

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