light combo choice

[bksmith]

Okay, I've decided (in part to your help and information) to buy a lighting system with 2 MH 250DE HQI and 2 actinics - either VHO or T5.

I found a system from premium aquatics which actually seems pretty cheap in comparison.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... e=Wonhoods

Does anyone have something like this or can you give me feedback on it. I'm not sure its what I want. It has a magnetic ballast - is that bad? What is your experience, does T5 give the same pleasing visual effect that people claim VHO does?

And one general question, no matter what system I get, will i be able to cannibalize it at a later date for possible inclusion in a custom hood and or minor changes/upgrades.

Thanks for your help, I'm dying to just be done with it and have my lights, but gotta get it right the first time

 

[Len]

I don't have that unit, but it sure does look nice. It looks like a copy of the Aqualine pendants, actually. 250W DE will serve you very well. IME, T5s still don't have the same "magic" of T-12 VHOs, although it's still a mystery to me why this is since they should be using the same phosphor. Nonetheless, T5 actinics are nice and I wouldn't hesitate to get them instead of VHOs. If I had to pick, I'd probably stick with VHOs.

Magnetic ballast is fine. They run hotter then electronic ballasts and thus aren't as energy efficient. But on the plus side, they are very reliable and will run a wider range of bulbs then some electronic units.

I wouldn't gut such a nice looking pendant. Intead, I'd find a way to hang or mount this pendant inside your new custom canopy so you can keep it intact. I did that for my Aqualine pendant

 

[Mikef1]

I have not personally used that setup but have heard good things about it. What bulbs does it come with? Have you tried marinedepot.com

 

[bksmith]

I found out it comes with 14k bulbs (forget which ones) so I don't think im gonna do that one. I think Ive decided on the Sunlight Maristar 36" which premium aquatics also sells. That one has the ushio 10k and t5's.

Ideally id like the vho just cause of the rave reviews from Len and others, but I guess this is as good as it gets. Of course, no decision is final until the money is paid and product delivered.