Halides...I want YOUR opinion

[Reggae Fish]

OK. I have cheapo PC lights but that is just what I had to do. I can barely even think about halides down the road but as everyone has always said, "do as much research as possible"

So, to give you an idea, I have a 72 bow and wouldn't mind being able to have a few sps. I am not familiar with the sizing, pricing, etc... of halides. I would prefer to be able to buy something that is just ready to go. I don't want to have to DIY because I'm not good at that stuff. Could anyone at least direct me in the direction of what I'd need so even if I don't get that specifically, I could at least see what you are saying I should get.

I don't understand the lights, ballasts, reflectors, end caps, how many I'd need, etc...
Like I said, I'd prefer to get something I could just plug in or understand.

If in the next 6 months or so, someone sees something I'd be interested in, please let me know.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Arsenal11]

Justin, I have 5 250 de's with roIII pendants & icecap ballast, got mine from Reefgeek.com they sell a complete package that includes the ballast/pendant & bulb, just hang it & plug it in, $289 each including ship cost. You might also try mark at thereefstop.com.

 

[capncapo]

Metal halide are fairly simple. No endcaps or such to worry about.

I agree that the The Reef Stop is a good place to start. Mark is a good guy who will do you right.

 

[Reggae Fish]

I'm sorry but what you just said was in a foriegn language.
The ballast is what fires the bulb, correct?
What is a pendant? Isn't the ballast built in? What about a fixture? When you say just hang it and plug it in, does it just plug to a normal grounded outlet? I don't have to do any wiring, correct? Sorry for the questions!

Thanks,
Justin

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7042606#post7042606 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ARSENAL11
Justin, I have 5 250 de's with roIII pendants & icecap ballast, got mine from Reefgeek.com they sell a complete package that includes the ballast/pendant & bulb, just hang it & plug it in, $289 each including ship cost. You might also try mark at thereefstop.com.

 

[Arsenal11]

Yes the ballast fires the bulb, pendant is what the bulb goes in like a socket & is the fixture also & yes plug & play, plugs into any grounded outlet, lmk if you want to come by & see mine.