Opinions on this diy MH kit

[sales weasel]

What do you MH experts think about this diy kit? I currently have a couple of those Odyssea 260 fixtures but I'll eventually want some MH because I'm sure these Odyssea things will probably break in short order. This kit comes in 175, 250 and 400w.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7742317467&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

 

[GoldStripe]

What about a reflector? That is one of the most, if not THE most important part of a MH setup. If you already have awsome reflectors then it might not be to bad. One thing I would worry about is what brand they are. I bought a cheap MH / PC retro kit on ebay and I got what I paid for...crap IMO. I have switched to Reef Optix III DE Pendants with Ice Cap ballasts and never looked back. Lumenarc SE pendants are probably even better but they're huge.

 

[sales weasel]

You're probably correct. This tank is in our basement and each room has a tray ceiling. That tray/soffit would be perfect for hanging pendants.

 

[GoldStripe]

I actually just hung my pendants in my canopy. But that was only because my wife wouldn't let me hang them from the ceiling! I love the open top look though.

 

[orlenz]

thats not a bad deal that advance ballast will outshine an icecap any day, but a lot depends on if you get a good reflector and what bulb that is, chances are it's not a very good bulb for that price.

 

[GoldStripe]

I didn't see that it was an Advance ballast. You'd think that if it was, they'd advertise as such. I can see it from the pics but I wonder if that's a generic pic since they don't list the brand

 

[CaptiveMarine]

THE EXACT KIT MAY DIFFER A BIT FROM THE PICTURE IE BULB LENGTH, COLOR OF BALLAST ETC

This makes me wonder exactly what they are going to send you. The Advance ballasts are great, but it looks like they might send you something else.

I think I would email him and find out about the bulb and the ballast.

 

[GoldStripe]

Or better yet, tell him to keep the bulb and lower the price. That way you can buy your own bulbs and know what you're getting.