Lighting deal

[Holokai]

Hello fellow Reefers,

I'm currently in the market for 2x400w metalhalides for my 75. I found a setup at hello lights (http://www.hellolights.com) consisting of two parabolic reflectors/mogul base, two 400w ballasts (magnetic), and 2x20000k XM bulbs. The price is $340 shipped. I have a hood that is ten inches above the tank, so I think that's covered, though I need to install some fans too.

Seem like a good deal? Anyone find a better deal?

Thanks much.

- Chris

PS I will be supplementing with my existing 40w NO.

[flamehawk22]

that sounds like a good deal, but just remember you get what you pay for. i bought a coralvue set up with bulb, electronic ballast, spider reflector, socket and cord, everything you need for $190.00. and i love it. from what i heard magnetic ballast waste alot of energy and get very hot. with the coralvue set up my corals never looked better. it was a 250watt retro kit but i heard they are coming out with the 400watt retro kit .

[Holokai]

Do they make electronic ballasts for 400w? I haven't found one yet... maybe I'm looking in the wrong spot. thanks for the suggestion though, I will definitely look into electronic ballasts further.

- Chris

[flamehawk22]

you can contact david at coralvue (504) 305-3246 for more information on the 400watt electronic ballast.

[BryanJ]

Marine depot has 400w electronic ballasts http://www.marinedepot.com/a_lt_mh_icecap.asp?CartId=

[moonpod]

reeffanatic has a 400w MH ballast. Another consideration is your reflector. To get the most out of your bulb, you really want a good reflector. See Sanjay Joshi's articles in advanced aquarists for more details, but to sum it up, look for the PFO parallel or the SLS ROII. The best is actually the diamond lumenarc, but if you're looking for a "deal" that one's out cause it's WAY expensive compared to most reflectors.

[Holokai]

Good to know.. unfortunately I alread ordered a spider aprabolic reflector from coralvue. It was fairly cheap though, so If I had to replace it that would be ok.