The sales pitch at Exotic was quite convincing. No ballast needed, you just run power to them straight out of the wall, they have lots of colors available, including actinics, and no reflectors needed. Really tempting, but $900 would be a really expensive test on my 100 gallon. It seems like the 100 gallon tank would be really bright and about 100W power consumption while all-on. I estimate a 3 year ROI if I don't factor in whatever a pair of 175W MH's and ballast would sell for. That includes power savings and elimination of replacement bulbs factored at once a year. He also mentioned a 2-year in-home warranty. Tempting, but not quite proven enough yet for my taste.
Is there actually a less expensive source?