Newbie with MH lighting fixtures

[Lakeside518]

Looking at 3 fixtures.

1) http://aquactinics.com/Store/Lighting_Systems.htm 48" MH/T5 fixture

2) http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12779&N=2004+113352

3) http://cgi.ebay.com/48-inch-Hamilto...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem With bulb upgrade to 14K

Which is best? Will use it on my 75 gal and transfer it over to my 120 gal when setup. I would like to do this just once due to cost. These are the best price range for what i can afford right now. I do want to keep clams and Softies, zoas, shrooms, leathers, etc.

All the talk of ballasts/ upgrades gets semi confusing. Is it wise to upgrade to the Icecap ballasts?

Thanks for any help and ideas.

Kris

 

[Lakeside518]

which ballasts are best?

Magnetic or electronic?

 

[scorp1on]

I have been looking to get #2. I like that it has the ballst internally so no thing can drop on it, etc. Have heard electronic will fire any bulb of the right wattage but like you I find the reading on ballasts confusing. Joe has #2 and I beleive is really pleased with it. Check with Tony about a price on the Orbit if interested I beleive price was very reasonable last I asked him.

 

[Lakeside518]

What ballasts should one stay away from? As far as MH, PC and T5?

Postive and negatives of all the above. sure i could try and search for the info, but we know how that will turn out. If anyone can hook me up with a reading link that be Oh Sooo special

Thanks

 

[TA]

Have you visited Sanjay's site?
Try there...

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

You can compare par and color temperature for various ballast/bulb combinations.

I'm no expert but there are plenty of threads about the subject(as you know).

FWIW....I use 2x250W IceCap electronic ballasts....relatively small and run cool....some ballasts are huge!

 

[Lakeside518]

Looks like my trip will be taking me very close to Option #3 the Hamilton fixture. There's one used on Ebay. I might just have to pick it up. I think it would fit my purpose. The price isn't one to :O over