Inside Sun MH bulb for $ 30.00 ???

Speckled Grouper · 10/14/2004, 07:46 PM

Does anyone actually have this bulb? I am about to order 3 and while it's a great deal, I don't want to trow my money out the window either.

http://www.insidesun.com/index.php?action=item&id=364

Torghn · 10/15/2004, 10:30 AM

I've never used them but they look like a really good deal. If you get them be sure to let us know how they look. The 250w bulbs are $35 each with free shipping.

Are these the same as the Sun 10k bulbs the MH comparison thread? http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=254667

raydz · 10/15/2004, 10:59 AM

I just ordered a 250w to see what ther're like. I'll let everyone know how it turns out

Torghn · 10/15/2004, 11:11 AM

Cool, be sure to post here when you get it.

tbrennan · 10/15/2004, 11:22 AM

I use their 175 10k have not had any problems and I like the price

Torghn · 10/15/2004, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tbrennan
I use their 175 10k have not had any problems and I like the price

How does the color compare to any other bulbs you've used? How long have you had it and have you noticed any change in the color?

phishlet · 10/15/2004, 05:03 PM

Those do look like a nice deal. Please post back here with your experiences; color/growth etc.

Speckled Grouper · 10/15/2004, 06:54 PM

Well, I just ordered 3, will post the experience when I receive them. Now I have to work on the VHO system I am going to supplement them with. I am thinking of a Ice Cap, ARO or Pro ballast with 3 x 60", I am still undecided what combination of bulbs to go with, 50/50 and/or all actinics. Any suggestions for that?

ProdigalPoster · 10/15/2004, 06:58 PM

Impressive flash on that site

I'm curious to see how the bulbs turn out.

ProdigalPoster · 10/15/2004, 07:01 PM

They have some good deals on MH systems too..

I'm curious how good these guys are, especially their "Econo" MH systems, 80.00 for a whole 400w setup...

llebcire · 10/15/2004, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SeanCallan
They have some good deals on MH systems too..

I'm curious how good these guys are, especially their "Econo" MH systems, 80.00 for a whole 400w setup...

I think the $80 Econo is a refurb, I was going to get two but other's suggested it was too much light for a 75.

I am currently running 2 250's from this company of the "econo" variety @ 10K.

Good price, communication, and shpping with tracking.

Never owned MH's so I have nothing to compare them to.

Color seems fine. Some may question the parts used for the fixtures, but I think it'll be just fine in the long run.

I was looking for a fair, "un-inflated because of the hobby price" on Metal Halides, and that is exactly what I got.

~Eric

ProdigalPoster · 10/15/2004, 10:16 PM

Can you get a picture of your tank, I want to see how the lights look. I'm seriously considering these guys.

llebcire · 10/16/2004, 05:58 AM

I'll try and get a pic tonight...cams @ work.

Here's a few pics from another thread

~Eric

davea · 10/16/2004, 09:08 AM

From looking at llebcire's thread I noticed these bulbs are the Plus brand. You can also get these on ebay.

When I purchased my setup used, it came with these bulbs running on a ballast from cooltouchlighting.com. They are 250w 10K metal halides.

They are yellow by themselves. I have 4 55w PC running with them. Here is a pic of the tank with the MH bulbs in question. It is 2x 250w 10K MH by Plus, 2x 55w 10K PC by Jebo and 2x 55w Blue by Jebo.

Since this image I have re-aquascaped and changed out the Jebo blues with true atinics and added 2x 40w Coralife true atinics. I'll post a new image shortly. I have to wait till the lights come on. I will also post a pic without the additional PCs.

jhcivicex · 10/16/2004, 09:29 AM

I just ordered on 250w 10k. Thats a good deal no matter what.

Speckled Grouper · 10/16/2004, 10:12 AM

Like I said, I ordered 3 of the 175 W last night.
Now I have 3 different order pages open trying to decide on the VHO supplement. Based on the recent comments, I am leaning towards going with 3 x 60" Actinics and no 50/50's. The best deal for a complete kit with IceCap 660 ballast, end caps, mounts and 3 60" bulbs seems to be on Custom Aquatics for $ 286.90 less the 5% RC discount (Shipping is $ 40.00). Oceanencounter has the same thing for $ 305.95 with free shipping. I wonder if I can archieve this any cheaper? Want to add that being female I have GREAT respect (fear) for electricity and wiring in general, that's why I am shying away from barebones do-it-yourself kits.

davea · 10/16/2004, 10:13 AM

Here are some new images I just took showing the Plus brand 250 watt metal halides. I didn't adjust the images at all.

This is an image of my tank showing all lights. 2x Plus MH 250w 10K, 2x Jebo PC 55w 10K, 2x No Brand Name PC 55w Actinic 03 and 2x Coralife NO 40w Attica 03.

This is an image of my tank showing MH only.

This is an image of my tank showing the PC and NO only.

The MH are about 6 months old. I have them mounted about 10" above the water with spider reflectors. The PC lights are mounted just inside the reflectors and are about 7" above the water. Thames lights are centered front to back. The tank is 24" front to back. The NO actinic 03 are in front about 6" above the water.

The lights aren't too bad. I would just like more blue. The PC doesn't penetrate to the bottom very well. The tank is 30" tall. I was thinking of using VHO actinic. IF that gets the blue I'm looking for then the Plus MH will suit me fine. Otherwise I will go with a CoralVue 10K or 14K.

Speckled Grouper · 10/16/2004, 10:50 AM

I just read on Ebay that the Plus bulbs are probe start, my MH sockets say "Pulse" on it. Will I have a problem?

davea · 10/16/2004, 11:37 AM

My ballast is a pulse start as well and I haven't had any problems.

From my searches for bulbs I have seen many that can be used on either pulse or probe start. I don't know for sure if this is the case with the Plus brand as I purchased the system used.

Now there is a sticky thread in here that explains the differences in ballast and says that most pulse start ballast will fire a probe bulb, but since the probe has the ignitor in the bulb, the ignitor in the pulse ballast could cause problems, even fire.

Here is the thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=201570

ProdigalPoster · 10/16/2004, 12:01 PM

Well I intend to buy my bulbs from someone else, I was just curious as trustworthly their ballasts are.

I've never heard of them unlike all the others you see on here so I wonder how they compare. If I wasn't a college student and I have a postive flow of cash I'd be glad to test it, but till then, I need to ride someone's coat tails.

tbrennan · 10/18/2004, 05:36 AM

The $80.00 setup is a refubished unit Their regular units are still a good price. The company is setup for Hydroponics that is why the prices are little lower. The 10 k by itself has some yellow to it but with my atinics on at the same time I have no problem with the color

Speckled Grouper · 10/24/2004, 09:26 AM

Well, the bulbs came in Friday. No problems there with the ordering and delivery.

I screwed them in and they fired right up without problems (I have a pulse start ballast).

But boy....are they yellow.....I wonder if they will stay like that?
Right now I only have two 40W NO Actinics as supplements and they don't help a bit.

But I was planning to add some VHO's anyways, I am just waiting for my LFS to get the ballast in on Monday. (LFS is matching the Lowest price I found on the net, complete set up with ballast, endcaps, stand offs and bulbs for under $ 200.00 !)

I am getting the ARO ballast and I am going to add three 60" Actinics, that should take care of the yellow......

llebcire · 10/24/2004, 09:40 AM

My 250's @10k were yellow for the first day or so that they fired, then they changed. I ran only one for the first few days, and when I added the second there was a very pronounced difference in coloration for the first day.

I've had them for a week and they are a piercing white with a tint of blue.

HTH!

~Eric

derrikd · 10/24/2004, 09:44 AM

i have them they are yellow, i tryed them one day and took them out, well im going to try them again and see if they stay yellow..

irvin3 · 10/24/2004, 09:47 AM

just got two 400 watt bulbs last week. works great. but a little yellow. can not beat the price.

10/14/2004, 07:46 PM	#1
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Inside Sun MH bulb for $ 30.00 ??? Does anyone actually have this bulb? I am about to order 3 and while it's a great deal, I don't want to trow my money out the window either. http://www.insidesun.com/index.php?action=item&id=364

10/15/2004, 10:59 AM	#3
raydz Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Rochester, NY (Gates) Posts: 205	I just ordered a 250w to see what ther're like. I'll let everyone know how it turns out __________________ Ray Current Tank Info: 75 Gal, 30 gal sump, Euro-reef skimmer

10/15/2004, 05:03 PM	#7
phishlet Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,458	Those do look like a nice deal. Please post back here with your experiences; color/growth etc. __________________ (reef a quar i um) n: Water-filled enclosure where a constant supply of money is thrown. Current Tank Info: 350 gallon Hex; 8 gallon nano

10/15/2004, 06:54 PM	#8
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Well, I just ordered 3, will post the experience when I receive them. Now I have to work on the VHO system I am going to supplement them with. I am thinking of a Ice Cap, ARO or Pro ballast with 3 x 60", I am still undecided what combination of bulbs to go with, 50/50 and/or all actinics. Any suggestions for that? __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g

10/16/2004, 10:12 AM	#16
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Like I said, I ordered 3 of the 175 W last night. Now I have 3 different order pages open trying to decide on the VHO supplement. Based on the recent comments, I am leaning towards going with 3 x 60" Actinics and no 50/50's. The best deal for a complete kit with IceCap 660 ballast, end caps, mounts and 3 60" bulbs seems to be on Custom Aquatics for $ 286.90 less the 5% RC discount (Shipping is $ 40.00). Oceanencounter has the same thing for $ 305.95 with free shipping. I wonder if I can archieve this any cheaper? Want to add that being female I have GREAT respect (fear) for electricity and wiring in general, that's why I am shying away from barebones do-it-yourself kits. __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g

10/15/2004, 10:30 AM	#2
Torghn Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 257	I've never used them but they look like a really good deal. If you get them be sure to let us know how they look. The 250w bulbs are $35 each with free shipping. Are these the same as the Sun 10k bulbs the MH comparison thread? http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=254667

10/15/2004, 11:11 AM	#4
Torghn Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 257	Cool, be sure to post here when you get it.

10/15/2004, 11:22 AM	#5
tbrennan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Outside New Orleans Posts: 185	I use their 175 10k have not had any problems and I like the price

10/15/2004, 06:58 PM	#9
ProdigalPoster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 784	Impressive flash on that site I'm curious to see how the bulbs turn out.

10/15/2004, 07:01 PM	#10
ProdigalPoster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 784	They have some good deals on MH systems too.. I'm curious how good these guys are, especially their "Econo" MH systems, 80.00 for a whole 400w setup...

10/15/2004, 10:16 PM	#12
ProdigalPoster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 784	Can you get a picture of your tank, I want to see how the lights look. I'm seriously considering these guys.

10/16/2004, 05:58 AM	#13
llebcire Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 1,210	I'll try and get a pic tonight...cams @ work. Here's a few pics from another thread ~Eric

10/16/2004, 09:08 AM	#14
davea Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mt Vernon, IN Posts: 120	From looking at llebcire's thread I noticed these bulbs are the Plus brand. You can also get these on ebay. When I purchased my setup used, it came with these bulbs running on a ballast from cooltouchlighting.com. They are 250w 10K metal halides. They are yellow by themselves. I have 4 55w PC running with them. Here is a pic of the tank with the MH bulbs in question. It is 2x 250w 10K MH by Plus, 2x 55w 10K PC by Jebo and 2x 55w Blue by Jebo. Since this image I have re-aquascaped and changed out the Jebo blues with true atinics and added 2x 40w Coralife true atinics. I'll post a new image shortly. I have to wait till the lights come on. I will also post a pic without the additional PCs.

10/16/2004, 09:29 AM	#15
jhcivicex Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 270	I just ordered on 250w 10k. Thats a good deal no matter what.

10/16/2004, 10:13 AM	#17
davea Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mt Vernon, IN Posts: 120	As promised. Here are some new images I just took showing the Plus brand 250 watt metal halides. I didn't adjust the images at all. This is an image of my tank showing all lights. 2x Plus MH 250w 10K, 2x Jebo PC 55w 10K, 2x No Brand Name PC 55w Actinic 03 and 2x Coralife NO 40w Attica 03. This is an image of my tank showing MH only. This is an image of my tank showing the PC and NO only. The MH are about 6 months old. I have them mounted about 10" above the water with spider reflectors. The PC lights are mounted just inside the reflectors and are about 7" above the water. Thames lights are centered front to back. The tank is 24" front to back. The NO actinic 03 are in front about 6" above the water. The lights aren't too bad. I would just like more blue. The PC doesn't penetrate to the bottom very well. The tank is 30" tall. I was thinking of using VHO actinic. IF that gets the blue I'm looking for then the Plus MH will suit me fine. Otherwise I will go with a CoralVue 10K or 14K.

10/16/2004, 10:50 AM	#18
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	I just read on Ebay that the Plus bulbs are probe start, my MH sockets say "Pulse" on it. Will I have a problem? __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g

10/16/2004, 11:37 AM	#19
davea Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mt Vernon, IN Posts: 120	My ballast is a pulse start as well and I haven't had any problems. From my searches for bulbs I have seen many that can be used on either pulse or probe start. I don't know for sure if this is the case with the Plus brand as I purchased the system used. Now there is a sticky thread in here that explains the differences in ballast and says that most pulse start ballast will fire a probe bulb, but since the probe has the ignitor in the bulb, the ignitor in the pulse ballast could cause problems, even fire. Here is the thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=201570

10/16/2004, 12:01 PM	#20
ProdigalPoster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 784	Well I intend to buy my bulbs from someone else, I was just curious as trustworthly their ballasts are. I've never heard of them unlike all the others you see on here so I wonder how they compare. If I wasn't a college student and I have a postive flow of cash I'd be glad to test it, but till then, I need to ride someone's coat tails.

10/18/2004, 05:36 AM	#21
tbrennan Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Outside New Orleans Posts: 185	The $80.00 setup is a refubished unit Their regular units are still a good price. The company is setup for Hydroponics that is why the prices are little lower. The 10 k by itself has some yellow to it but with my atinics on at the same time I have no problem with the color

10/24/2004, 09:26 AM	#22
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Well, the bulbs came in Friday. No problems there with the ordering and delivery. I screwed them in and they fired right up without problems (I have a pulse start ballast). But boy....are they yellow.....I wonder if they will stay like that? Right now I only have two 40W NO Actinics as supplements and they don't help a bit. But I was planning to add some VHO's anyways, I am just waiting for my LFS to get the ballast in on Monday. (LFS is matching the Lowest price I found on the net, complete set up with ballast, endcaps, stand offs and bulbs for under $ 200.00 !) I am getting the ARO ballast and I am going to add three 60" Actinics, that should take care of the yellow...... __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g

10/24/2004, 09:40 AM	#23
llebcire Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 1,210	My 250's @10k were yellow for the first day or so that they fired, then they changed. I ran only one for the first few days, and when I added the second there was a very pronounced difference in coloration for the first day. I've had them for a week and they are a piercing white with a tint of blue. HTH! ~Eric

10/24/2004, 09:44 AM	#24
derrikd Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Braunfels, Texas Posts: 3,356	i have them they are yellow, i tryed them one day and took them out, well im going to try them again and see if they stay yellow..

10/24/2004, 09:47 AM	#25
irvin3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: phildelphia Posts: 215	just got two 400 watt bulbs last week. works great. but a little yellow. can not beat the price.