Opinions on m.h. bulbs and ballasts?

[robertpower3]

I just want some opinions on which metal halide bulb and ballast to use for my tank. I have an 8o gallon with six 55 watt pcs with electronic ballasts 4 50/50s and 2 actinics. I would like to go with just 2 250 watt xms with electronic ballasts. Would I need a chiller or could i just use fans? the top of my hood is only five or six inches off the water. What other kind of ballast and bulbs would u suggest? I have softies, lps, and a couple of sps frags. Will electronic really save me that much more?

[Jimnorris]

I can say that I have tried almost every type of mogul bulb made. (all 400 watters) The XM bulb is the best IMO. I do not use an electronic ballast just the stanard PFO ballasts. I am having both great growth and great colors on my sps corals.
Jim

[TexasState]

If you're buying an electronic ballast. It might take you about three years to save and recoup the price different from the electronic vs. tar ballast. IMHO, your electronic ballast might bite the dust b4 they even ge that old. Tar ballast tend to last longer. If the tar ballast do die out, you can usually replace the cap. with parts from Home Depot.
The reason I like electronic over cap and coil is that the electronic are more portable (take up less room) and run cooler. Of course, if you buy a big brand cap and coil ballast, it will come with a big heat sink to cool it down (vs. DIY.)