MH Retro Question

kstafford003 · 02-02-2011, 12:24 PM

In my ever long, never ending search for a metal halide system that is cheap, but won't blow up when I plug it in, this is what I have found.

METAL HALIDE 250 watt MH AQUARIUM LIGHT 14K 14000K - eBay (item 320613403845 end time Feb-03-11 12:02:58 PST)

What do you think? I have a 90gal 60" long and I would like to get two or three of these and maybe later on supplement with some blue leds. I you think these are a piece of crap what would you suggest? I don't have a huge budget but would like to get started on this tank build.

m2434 · 02-02-2011, 12:53 PM

I know nothing about it, but seems to be generic, which I would be hesitant to trust. Also, the text sounds like a cheezy infomercial, which adds a bit to my lack of trust. Maybe someone else knows more about them, but personally, I would probably recommend spending a little more and get a know ballast/bulb. Check out the Aquacave and Hellolights retrofit kits. These are much more tried and true and not necessarily much more money.

saints fan 420 · 02-02-2011, 01:03 PM

yeah it looks to be a knock off..or no name..im sure that ballast wouldnt last very long, but it could last forever..just never know, if it was me i wouldnt buy, when you could get something way better for a little bit more money..

kstafford003 · 02-02-2011, 01:47 PM

Point taken. So would this light be a good choice?

BLUE WAVE 2 DUAL 250W Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave

I am wanting to keep a clam and some sps. Would I be ok with just these two lights?

m2434 · 02-02-2011, 02:47 PM

Sounds great if they still have them. I think they are discontinued, as sunlight supply seems to be moving towards electronic ballasts. The BlueWaves have been work horse ballasts for many people, for many years though. Two would certainly be enough to keep anything you want in a 90g. The only other thing I would mention is that I think this is a dual ballast, not two ballasts. The only problem with this, is if one dies they both die. However, that said the Blue waves are quite reliable.

Also, didn't mean to just point towards aquacave or hello lights. There are many excellent suppliers. Those are just two that came to mind, as I have purchased from them many times.

kstafford003 · 02-02-2011, 05:02 PM

I like suppliers that are referenced to because that means they are a reputable dealer, their stuff works, or that they have good customer service. All three are things that I like so thats why I looked there and found something I could afford. Thank you for your help.

02-02-2011, 12:24 PM	#1
kstafford003 Peppermint Shrimp Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Midland, TX Age: 24 Posts: 413 Skin: Mint Karma: 79460	MH Retro Question In my ever long, never ending search for a metal halide system that is cheap, but won't blow up when I plug it in, this is what I have found. METAL HALIDE 250 watt MH AQUARIUM LIGHT 14K 14000K - eBay (item 320613403845 end time Feb-03-11 12:02:58 PST) What do you think? I have a 90gal 60" long and I would like to get two or three of these and maybe later on supplement with some blue leds. I you think these are a piece of crap what would you suggest? I don't have a huge budget but would like to get started on this tank build.

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02-02-2011, 12:53 PM	#2
m2434 Giant Squid Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,412 Skin: Mint Karma: 24388353	I know nothing about it, but seems to be generic, which I would be hesitant to trust. Also, the text sounds like a cheezy infomercial, which adds a bit to my lack of trust. Maybe someone else knows more about them, but personally, I would probably recommend spending a little more and get a know ballast/bulb. Check out the Aquacave and Hellolights retrofit kits. These are much more tried and true and not necessarily much more money.

02-02-2011, 01:03 PM	#3
saints fan 420 Longfin Fairy Wrasse Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: baton rouge...LSU!!! Age: 26 Posts: 2,331 Skin: Mint Karma: 946060	yeah it looks to be a knock off..or no name..im sure that ballast wouldnt last very long, but it could last forever..just never know, if it was me i wouldnt buy, when you could get something way better for a little bit more money..

02-02-2011, 01:47 PM	#4
kstafford003 Peppermint Shrimp Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Midland, TX Age: 24 Posts: 413 Skin: Mint Karma: 79460	Point taken. So would this light be a good choice? BLUE WAVE 2 DUAL 250W Metal Halide Retro Kit - AquaCave I am wanting to keep a clam and some sps. Would I be ok with just these two lights?

02-02-2011, 02:47 PM	#5
m2434 Giant Squid Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,412 Skin: Mint Karma: 24388353	Sounds great if they still have them. I think they are discontinued, as sunlight supply seems to be moving towards electronic ballasts. The BlueWaves have been work horse ballasts for many people, for many years though. Two would certainly be enough to keep anything you want in a 90g. The only other thing I would mention is that I think this is a dual ballast, not two ballasts. The only problem with this, is if one dies they both die. However, that said the Blue waves are quite reliable. Also, didn't mean to just point towards aquacave or hello lights. There are many excellent suppliers. Those are just two that came to mind, as I have purchased from them many times.

02-02-2011, 05:02 PM	#6
kstafford003 Peppermint Shrimp Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Midland, TX Age: 24 Posts: 413 Skin: Mint Karma: 79460	I like suppliers that are referenced to because that means they are a reputable dealer, their stuff works, or that they have good customer service. All three are things that I like so thats why I looked there and found something I could afford. Thank you for your help.