MH retro kit

[ebayes11]

I'm trying to put a couple of MH bulbs on my 55 gallon tank. I'm thinking about 2 250 watt MH bulbs. I ran across this on ebay, and since I am not too knowledgeable about MH, I thought I'd ask. With the kind of sockets that are given, will that limit the bulb type that I can get? Also, will the ballast provide any limitations regarding bulb type or others that I'm not thinking about? Thanks for the help.

Eric

[ebayes11]

Ay, I hate when that happens.

Here is the link to the mh kit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3212&item=23937323 76&rd=1

[brewercm]

That setup will run your standard probe start bulbs (XM, iwasaki, ushio 10K, etc.), basically most bulbs except double ended or radiums and a few others that are pulse start. Everyone that I've heard that has this system has been pleased but it is not an electronic ballast. If you have the money to go with electronic ballast you aren't limited on you bulb selection.

[eleyan]

So what is the advantage of electronic ballast over magnetic? I'm toying with the idea of switching to MH myself :)

[alexwolf]

Ah yes, my first MH. WKopplin now has them. I was pleased with the 400's, but i downgraded to 250's. They are good, but rather slow on shipping; Since they come from Canada, customs takes a while. I would look into the PFO's also. Premium Aquatics has them prertty cheap. Also the IceCap electronic is a good ballast.