is this a good deal??

[mama]

I just saw this for sale and being I have never had MH before, do you all think this is a good deal??

He does not state the length or how old the bulbs are...but in general?

Thanks!!

175W Metal Halide Lights - $175 OBO

2 175 Watt Halide Lights - 2 Actinic Lights 96 Watts - 542 Watts Total

[rz1a]

what ballasts, how old are they, is what i would ask

also ask if there are reflectors coming with them and what condition theyre in and what type, how old, etc

i recently was selling a 175w MH icecap ballast with a 6 month old iwaki bulb and reflector for 80 bucks

[SoLiD]

That's not a bad price. 175w bulbs are the mogul type. I'd check to see if the ballasts are Electronic or Magnetic . Electronic are more efficient than Magnetic ballasts, which will help with the energy bill.

[BIGBIRD123]

I have these...
http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=44549

S

[ACE]

Also want to know how old the bulbs are, old bulbs can grow unwanted algae. If you pay $125 and have to turn around and buy 4 new bulbs is it a good deal?

[mama]

Thank you SO much for your input...I was advised though to keep the T5's i have and just add another unit...i keep softies only, and with a MH, i can see me torching the house!!

[rz1a]

what type of fixture is it that you have? maybe you could add an icecap 660 ballast to it to fire up 4 bulbs and overdrive them. then you could really keep things like clams, SPS, nems, etc, if theyre the individual reflector types. thatd be better than looking for used setups

[CoryDude]

No need for MH if your sticking w/soft corals. Just an increase in heat in both the house and tank. Stick w/your t-5's till the sps itch starts to bug you.