Does anybody know about these lights?

[smelleybrad]

Will this be good for my reef? What else will I need?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46314&item=4360609 950&tc=photo

[cpreefguy]

It looks nice to me, that ebay layout confuses me, but I guess it is the 161watt fixture. What size tank is it going on? Basically, that fixture is plug and play, you wouldnt need anything else.

[Jenn]

I think I have seen these on someones system before and they looked real nice, especially when hung by the cables from the ceiling. I don't know about only 150 watt though, I personally started with 250 watt just incase I had a tank upgrade or something. These may be special though.

As far as the type of lighting, a 14K bulb is what I just upgraded to and I love them. I did stray away from the "DE" double-ended type of bulb though just because of the extra precautions I read about, but I know there are many members who are more advanced than I and probably love theirs.

Is this going on the 125 or the deep 150? On that 150, I would go w/ 400watters.

Also, you might want to wait until a group order goes in - you may get a better deal. But there again, with all the changes, I don't know which type of members can go in on the group orders.

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, I would contact 360reef here on the boards. He is a distributor and can get you great deals on lights. I just bought a 400watt DE pendant from him and LOVE it.

[smelleybrad]

Whatever I get is going on my 125. I want to be able to keep polyps, anemones, soft corals. The funds are limited so what do you suggest for lighting?

[Polkster13]

Tell us how "limited" your funds are so we know what kind of budget you are working with. This will better able us to point you in the right direction. You can also contact Greg here on MAAST (goes by 360Reef) as he is a dealer for MH and T-5 lights. I have purchased several from him recently and have been very pleased with my purchases (as has many others on this forum). He won't steer you wrong.

[smelleybrad]

I'm limited right now to about $300.

[6LINE]

You could get a dual 250W retro for that. I bought a used dual 400W complete with 2 sets of bulbs for $300..........

[TexasState]

Why not spend $50 more and get a brand name light from our sponsor at Hello Lights?

[smelleybrad]

HOW ABOUT THESE? ANY THOUGHTS? iF i GOT TWO OF THESE WHAT ELSE WOULD i NEED?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46314&item=4360549 054&rd=1

[Reef69]

Honestly thats an ugly color..what i would do is contact Greg (360Reef) he can make you a good deal on lights for your tank, if you have any doubts , he will answer for you and tell you what goes better with the type of thank you have, thats what he did on mine..Thats the way to go..

[smelleybrad]

Thanks, I'll have to do that.

[Jenn]

I am really skeptical about those, but I am also not as experienced as some of the members on this site.
I read a little of what this guy says about these, but still can't understand how only 65 watts can have the output of a 500 watt bulb.
I honestly don't think these would do well for saltwater. You said you have about $300. to work with and you should be able to get a nice package through Greg with that.

HTH,
Jenn

[smelleybrad]

Does he have an email?

[Jenn]

My husband has done quite a bit of lighting research and just told me that Fluorex is used in some street lighting. Its a good light, but not for sw aquariums.

[BIGBIRD123]

I had two of them and they're crap on SW but good for FW or planted tanks.

Steve

[smelleybrad]

Thanks for the info

[jaded]

I couldnt help but notice that the MH setup in the original post is running on a magnetic ballast... if funds are limited you may want to concider the long term cost of cutting the bulb life with mag ballast. I'm no expert, so I'm open to correction on this but my research leads me to believe that the elec ballast is the way to go on may levels!!!

I would also seriously concider talking to the dealers (Greg) or checking out hello lighting, with just a little work you could set up a dual MH 250W DIY for around your budget that would blow that fixture away

IMO