Need ballast and lighting suggestion for my new tank

Speckled Grouper · 01/13/2006, 07:33 AM

I am setting up a 250g bowfront acrylic tank.
It came with 3 reflectors, sockets and bulbs that have no writing other than 400W. No ballast.

I am contemplating getting electronic ballasts, as I read they run cooler, use less electricity and are lighter. Need suggestions as to brand or should I just get a magnectic ballast?

Also thinking of replacing the middle bulb with a 250W. Would that make a big difference?

thrlride · 01/13/2006, 08:23 AM

Electronics do run cooler, more efficient and are lighter but also more expensive.

If you already have the bulbs and all that you could simply get three m59 ballasts to go the cheap route.

Speckled Grouper · 01/13/2006, 11:24 AM

I am looking at long term and if they are more efficient, I wouldn't mind spending the extra $$.

What brand do you guys like/have experience with?

Speckled Grouper · 01/13/2006, 07:53 PM

Anyone?

01/13/2006, 07:33 AM	#1
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Need ballast and lighting suggestion for my new tank I am setting up a 250g bowfront acrylic tank. It came with 3 reflectors, sockets and bulbs that have no writing other than 400W. No ballast. I am contemplating getting electronic ballasts, as I read they run cooler, use less electricity and are lighter. Need suggestions as to brand or should I just get a magnectic ballast? Also thinking of replacing the middle bulb with a 250W. Would that make a big difference?

01/13/2006, 08:23 AM	#2
thrlride Aka lemmywinks Join Date: May 2003 Location: Harrisburg, NC Posts: 8,017	Electronics do run cooler, more efficient and are lighter but also more expensive. If you already have the bulbs and all that you could simply get three m59 ballasts to go the cheap route. __________________ Beer Snob Current Tank Info: 210 gallon FOWLR (H&S 200a-1260 , panworld 50px-x, 2x Vortech w/ WWD)

01/13/2006, 11:24 AM	#3
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	I am looking at long term and if they are more efficient, I wouldn't mind spending the extra $$. What brand do you guys like/have experience with? __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g

01/13/2006, 07:53 PM	#4
Speckled Grouper Sticks Suck! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Davie & Big Pine Key, FL Posts: 2,655	Anyone? __________________ The cure for anything is salt water.....sweat, tears, or the sea. Isak Dinesen Current Tank Info: 265g