ebay MH lights

TimFountain · 04/16/2006, 09:13 AM

I need to replace my 175W 14K Hamiltons, and the attractive price of MH's on ebay caught my eye. Something like these :-
http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-14000...QQcmdZViewItem

Does anyone have any feedback on these, are they OK, or a piece of junk? Search didn't reveal any discussion.

Thanks

- Tim

jcato · 04/16/2006, 09:43 PM

i asked the same question last week with no response. i went ahead and ordered the bulbs, they should be here this week and ill update when i get them.

john

MarineTeng · 04/17/2006, 12:30 AM

i'm curious too, they're a ton cheaper, as i'm looking to go to mh i might invest in a few of these, anyone know what brand they are? i don't have an ebay acount to ask the seller

TimFountain · 04/17/2006, 06:38 AM

I'm also going to give it a go, at this price even if they last half the time.... I'll report back. I noticed the vendor doesn't list the manufacturer, I'm assuming they are some kind of China knock-offs....

Thanks

- Tim

GoldStripe · 04/17/2006, 07:03 AM

Would be worth a try at 9 bucks. I started with cheap bulbs and ended up going with name brand more expensive models. IMO the cheaper bulbs will lose their intensity much faster and the color of the bulb will shift quicker, that's all. Like you said at $9.00 (really $18.00 w/ s&h), you can buy 3 times as many of these.

Maker · 04/17/2006, 10:05 AM

Silly me. I'm going to try these out also. We'll see what happens.

maker

pangea · 04/17/2006, 12:37 PM

I have had these
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...SI_PR4_PCN_BIX
CA REEF GROW 175 bulbs-good color, not as bright as XM,but bluer and good coral color and growth=$40

Nammy · 04/17/2006, 12:48 PM

I know another reefer that have been using these lights for a few months and haven't had any problem as of yet.

MarineTeng · 04/27/2006, 09:44 PM

anyone have anymore thoughts on these?

marilynrn711 · 04/27/2006, 09:58 PM

I cant imagine why they dont tell you who the manufacturer is. I bought some venture 10k bulbs on ebay, 2 for 50. I like them now that they have burned in.

MarineTeng · 04/27/2006, 09:59 PM

do you have the seller for those, or was it a one time thing

marilynrn711 · 04/27/2006, 10:09 PM

I just checked and he is still selling them
http://cgi.ebay.com/Two-250-Watt-10-...QQcmdZViewItem

They burn more like a 14k

marilynrn711 · 04/27/2006, 10:25 PM

Here is what they are going for at PA

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=mh-250w

MarineTeng · 04/27/2006, 11:06 PM

gah, i would buy them, but i'm planning on using 175 watts on my tank, would 250 watts be too much overkill for a short tank 20 gallon long + a sand bed (i haven't bought anything yet)

marilynrn711 · 04/27/2006, 11:15 PM

You would have to buy a new ballast to run a 250 .

Are you saying that you have a 20 g tank, and looking to run one MH bulb? If so I would also think 250 would be too much.

MarineTeng · 04/27/2006, 11:21 PM

ya, i haven't bought the ballast yet, how well do you think acros or other sps would do at 175 watt on a 20 long, (13-15" tall i forget exactly)

psycho_clown · 04/27/2006, 11:35 PM

Id go with a trusted brand from a reputable dealer. Otherwise that guy could be selling his old used bulbs and some cheap *** like you could be buying his garbage, my two cents

TimFountain · 04/28/2006, 06:53 AM

Well, the lights have been running for a week, with no problems for far. I wanted to wait a while before posting to ensure all is OK. Very nice color output at 14K. Running on icecap MH electronic ballasts. The packaging does not say the brand, they say made in Germany, and I couldn't find any bad spelling (perhaps indicating Chinese knock-offs). They seem to be well made and all the inhabitants are doing fine, the RBTA opened up even more than usual. So far so good. There is no reason why the Hamiltons and so on should go for $70+.

- Tim

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2006, 01:00 PM

Can we get one of these shipped to the mh tester? I would be curious on the actual numbers. Germany huh. interesting.

MarineTeng · 04/28/2006, 11:30 PM

i'm afraid they might put out too much UV, anyone able to test this, or i might just invest in a shield

jcato · 04/29/2006, 08:49 AM

i also recieved mine(175w 14k) and they have been running for over a week.. im running them on a coralvue electronic ballast they seem a little on the blue side but they are perfect for someone who wants to run MH only and no supplemental lighting.

overall i would give the bulb a 7 out of 10.

here are a few pics. my canopy is not built yet so i have a temp up and the MH are the only light source.

john

04/16/2006, 09:13 AM	#1
TimFountain Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 82	ebay MH lights I need to replace my 175W 14K Hamiltons, and the attractive price of MH's on ebay caught my eye. Something like these :- http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-14000...QQcmdZViewItem Does anyone have any feedback on these, are they OK, or a piece of junk? Search didn't reveal any discussion. Thanks - Tim

04/16/2006, 09:43 PM	#2
jcato Reef Junkie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Arkansas Posts: 693	i asked the same question last week with no response. i went ahead and ordered the bulbs, they should be here this week and ill update when i get them. john __________________ "What is understood does'nt need to be discussed" Current Tank Info: 60g Cube Soft Coral Reef

04/17/2006, 12:30 AM	#3
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	i'm curious too, they're a ton cheaper, as i'm looking to go to mh i might invest in a few of these, anyone know what brand they are? i don't have an ebay acount to ask the seller __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/17/2006, 06:38 AM	#4
TimFountain Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 82	Update I'm also going to give it a go, at this price even if they last half the time.... I'll report back. I noticed the vendor doesn't list the manufacturer, I'm assuming they are some kind of China knock-offs.... Thanks - Tim

04/17/2006, 12:37 PM	#7
pangea Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 216	I have had these http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...SI_PR4_PCN_BIX CA REEF GROW 175 bulbs-good color, not as bright as XM,but bluer and good coral color and growth=$40 __________________ Pangaea-huge supercontinent surrounded by one gigantic ocean called Panthalassa Current Tank Info: 125g reef, 660 IC, 3-175 Aqua2 MH, DIY Skimmer, Knop , 240g reef w/-4 250se 10k, MR3 w/ Genx-pcx55, DIY Kalk and CA reactors, Seq22

04/17/2006, 07:03 AM	#5
GoldStripe Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jville, FL Posts: 1,136	Would be worth a try at 9 bucks. I started with cheap bulbs and ended up going with name brand more expensive models. IMO the cheaper bulbs will lose their intensity much faster and the color of the bulb will shift quicker, that's all. Like you said at $9.00 (really $18.00 w/ s&h), you can buy 3 times as many of these.

04/17/2006, 10:05 AM	#6
Maker Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 81	Silly me. I'm going to try these out also. We'll see what happens. maker

04/17/2006, 12:48 PM	#8
Nammy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Maryland Posts: 1,638	I know another reefer that have been using these lights for a few months and haven't had any problem as of yet.

04/27/2006, 09:44 PM	#9
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	anyone have anymore thoughts on these? __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/27/2006, 09:58 PM	#10
marilynrn711 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 880	I cant imagine why they dont tell you who the manufacturer is. I bought some venture 10k bulbs on ebay, 2 for 50. I like them now that they have burned in. __________________ Go Sox! Current Tank Info: 90G, 30G sump 120 # LR, 3" SB G2 ASM, Genx 40, 250s MHs 110s act VHOS, tunze 6000

04/27/2006, 09:59 PM	#11
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	do you have the seller for those, or was it a one time thing __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/27/2006, 10:09 PM	#12
marilynrn711 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 880	I just checked and he is still selling them http://cgi.ebay.com/Two-250-Watt-10-...QQcmdZViewItem They burn more like a 14k __________________ Go Sox! Current Tank Info: 90G, 30G sump 120 # LR, 3" SB G2 ASM, Genx 40, 250s MHs 110s act VHOS, tunze 6000

04/27/2006, 10:25 PM	#13
marilynrn711 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 880	Here is what they are going for at PA http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=mh-250w __________________ Go Sox! Current Tank Info: 90G, 30G sump 120 # LR, 3" SB G2 ASM, Genx 40, 250s MHs 110s act VHOS, tunze 6000

04/27/2006, 11:06 PM	#14
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	gah, i would buy them, but i'm planning on using 175 watts on my tank, would 250 watts be too much overkill for a short tank 20 gallon long + a sand bed (i haven't bought anything yet) __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/27/2006, 11:15 PM	#15
marilynrn711 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 880	You would have to buy a new ballast to run a 250 . Are you saying that you have a 20 g tank, and looking to run one MH bulb? If so I would also think 250 would be too much. __________________ Go Sox! Current Tank Info: 90G, 30G sump 120 # LR, 3" SB G2 ASM, Genx 40, 250s MHs 110s act VHOS, tunze 6000

04/27/2006, 11:21 PM	#16
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	ya, i haven't bought the ballast yet, how well do you think acros or other sps would do at 175 watt on a 20 long, (13-15" tall i forget exactly) __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/27/2006, 11:35 PM	#17
psycho_clown Moved On Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 325	Id go with a trusted brand from a reputable dealer. Otherwise that guy could be selling his old used bulbs and some cheap *** like you could be buying his garbage, my two cents

04/28/2006, 06:53 AM	#18
TimFountain Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 82	Took the plunge Well, the lights have been running for a week, with no problems for far. I wanted to wait a while before posting to ensure all is OK. Very nice color output at 14K. Running on icecap MH electronic ballasts. The packaging does not say the brand, they say made in Germany, and I couldn't find any bad spelling (perhaps indicating Chinese knock-offs). They seem to be well made and all the inhabitants are doing fine, the RBTA opened up even more than usual. So far so good. There is no reason why the Hamiltons and so on should go for $70+. - Tim

04/28/2006, 01:00 PM	#19
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Can we get one of these shipped to the mh tester? I would be curious on the actual numbers. Germany huh. interesting. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/28/2006, 11:30 PM	#20
MarineTeng Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 429	i'm afraid they might put out too much UV, anyone able to test this, or i might just invest in a shield __________________ I've got a blue gourami with 3 feelers, that can't be normal Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef w/ 30 gal sump, 55 lbs of live rock, xenia, star poylps, kenya trees, a frilly mushroom, some bull's eye mushrooms, a purple tipped frogspawn, green striped mushroom, a yellow tang, lots of macro algae

04/29/2006, 08:49 AM	#21
jcato Reef Junkie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Arkansas Posts: 693	i also recieved mine(175w 14k) and they have been running for over a week.. im running them on a coralvue electronic ballast they seem a little on the blue side but they are perfect for someone who wants to run MH only and no supplemental lighting. overall i would give the bulb a 7 out of 10. here are a few pics. my canopy is not built yet so i have a temp up and the MH are the only light source. john __________________ "What is understood does'nt need to be discussed" Current Tank Info: 60g Cube Soft Coral Reef