metal halide question

[marxsman]

I have the opportunity to buy two used metal halide systems. They are 125 watt w/ ballist and 14 k bulbs. $120 each. You know I have a 55 gal tank with mostly soft corals. is this worth it I do not remember the brand but they are hanging at my LFS and he would sell them to me.
I also have two 96 watt 38" PC's on my tank now. Should I sell them or try to incorporate them into the new system?

[showfish]

I would try to incorporate them. Maybe use one 10,000 k daylight, and one atinic.

[Reefland]

Well, I don't think they are 125w. And before I spent $240 on a used system, you should find out what kind of ballast, reflector and bulbs you have, as well as the age of the bulbs.

[marxsman]

the lights and ballists are 150 watt. They are Mr. Aqua brand from Thailand (ever here of these?) the bulbs got changed a few months ago and are double ended halides. I looked for Mr. Aqua stuff and can find nothing.
He was honest and said these are older models but still work the same.

[The Grim Reefer]

That sounds spendy for a used unknown brand. I'd shop around for some 150 or 175's. If you dig hard enough you will find new equipment for close to that price.

[marxsman]

all the looking I have done, I still haven't found two 150 watt halides with ballist and bulbs for $240.00, Each are in their own hanging fixture. I also must say that I like them in own fixture already because I hate wiring stuff. (i'm always afraid I'll mess up, and then I have to make a hood)
unless someone can direct me differently for that price.

[The Grim Reefer]

If you want plug and play you will spend a lot more on a new system. At least have the guy light those up for you to make sure they work.

[Randy1]

If all you are keeping is softs and leather's I would spend the money on the eclectic bill.

[marxsman]

well, I am going to try these lights. I have to go to a different city to get them so it will be a few days but I let you guys know and take some pics.

[marxsman]

I haven't bought anything yet.. I am looking a these Odysea metal halides from aquatader.com. Are they any good. I was thinking about supended 2 175 watt halides, with the pc's and ,moonights over my 55 gal. Does this sound ideal? Keep in mind I do not want SPS. I am more of a softy and anemone guy. (I like things that move) but if I want SPS will this work?

[Randy1]

Yes, but you probobly won't need the pc's. Just use 20K MH bulbs. Good luck.

[The Grim Reefer]

I haven't bought anything yet.. I am looking a these Odysea metal halides from aquatader.com. Are they any good. I was thinking about supended 2 175 watt halides, with the pc's and ,moonights over my 55 gal. Does this sound ideal? Keep in mind I do not want SPS. I am more of a softy and anemone guy. (I like things that move) but if I want SPS will this work?

Bad vendor, bad product.

#1. I am assuming those are the 175 watt DE's they sell, try finding a replacement lamp. A 150 DE will work but is actually UNDERDRIVEN by the 175 watt DE ballast if you can believe that. I got that from a guy who owns a lighting co. and had the specs on the 175 watt DE ballast.

#2. I just love the smell of moltent plastic in the morning. There have been more than a few people who have had smoke or at least a not good smell coming from the fixture. They are prone to having the capacitors melt down.

#3. Aquatraders is not a Co. I would deal with. They're known for including "free" lamps in the fistures. That is so when they arrive broken they can say "The lamp was free so there is no warranty".

This is a good example of getting what you pay for. I would def keep looking unless you are handy at rewiring ballasts and know where to get replacement lamps of good quality for a 175 DE.

[marxsman]

good info, thanks