Super cheap E-Bay MH 400w opinions

Kur · 05/31/2009, 09:19 PM

Hello all!

I am brand new to the world of salt water aquariums and was absolutely floored by the price my lfs wants for lighting.

So after about 2 days of scouring the internet I came across this auction on E-Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/400-Watt-Metal-H...arms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1309|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

400 watt, MH light, chrome reflector, (batwing? lol) choice of 14,000K or 20,000K bulb, new ballast. 3 year warranty. $95

Seems like a darn good deal to me, even if the ballast is garbage and I end up having to replace it.

I looked into it a bit more and found out it is a 'system' made by Sylvainia, so I am assuming that is what brand the ballast is. The e-bay listing says the bulbs are made by Plus Lighting, whom I have never heard of... then again, I haven't heard of anything concerning marine tanks until just 2 weeks ago..

Here is the page to the online store:

http://www.insidesun.com/64ee65df356...4f5f151dd.item

I've sent an e-mail to the guy who runs the store and asked him several questions:

1. What type and brand is the ballast?
2. Is there any type of glass or acrylic UV shield/splash guard?
3. What size socket is it?

I realize for less than $100 I will probably end up getting what I pay for, but I figured with a 3 year warranty, or even just buying a better ballast, I should still be making off like a thief compared to trying to buy an $800-$1200 light strip from my lfs or online. of course, with my tank I would need to buy two of these things at least.

Keeping in mind that I am on a super tight budget (less than $50 a week... stupid recession) do you guys think I should give these a shot?

I am really trying to keep this project as cheap as possible. Probably going to DIY anything I can.

Any thoughts?

One Dumm Hikk · 05/31/2009, 11:41 PM

There is a lot more to MH lights/bulbs than simply getting a ballast, reflector, socket and bulb for it.

The "batwing" is also called a "spider reflector" because of its shape. Other than a flat piece of metal behind the bulb, it isn't easy to find a less efficient reflector for a MH than the "bat wings" are. I read a thread earlier today that was on MH fixtures and its saved on my desktop (I am on my laptop). When I get back to the desktop tomorrow I will try to post a link to it so you can read it (If someone doesn't post it before then).

One Dumm Hikk · 06/01/2009, 12:22 AM

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

More than you ever cared to know about MH lighting

Kur · 06/01/2009, 06:04 PM

Thanks for the link, but as it turns out I have already read that article.

Like I said, I realize I would probably get what I pay for, and I understand that this is certainly not an ideal set-up. But I simply can not afford anything else.

I was just wondering if anybody here has ever tried this particular system, or knows anything else about it.

I am just planning to use this system (if I do buy it) to get me started with the easier, more forgiving, corals. I fully intend to upgrade to a better system once the economy picks up or I find a higher paying job.

And I figure a 400W MH, no matter how cheap, or insufficiently reflected (can always upgrade that later) has to be much better than my current NO florescent 50W strip light (which happens to have 10 year old tubes, no black ends yet!)

Logzor · 06/01/2009, 06:45 PM

Why on earth would you get a 400w MH when on a budget? Tell us more about what you are trying to achieve. I imagine a 250w would be fine unless your tank 4 feet deep!

A 400w bulb will melt "easy" corals pretty fast. Have you considered T5 lighting.

Keep in mind electricity costs!

JNye · 06/01/2009, 07:36 PM

ask for a used setup here
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=537
I'm sure you could do much better buying used.

hlem · 06/01/2009, 08:36 PM

Interesting.... i'm also looking for lighting... please let me know how it is if you get it.

Kur · 06/01/2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Logzor
Why on earth would you get a 400w MH when on a budget? Tell us more about what you are trying to achieve. I imagine a 250w would be fine unless your tank 4 feet deep!

A 400w bulb will melt "easy" corals pretty fast. Have you considered T5 lighting.

Keep in mind electricity costs!

I was looking at these 400W MH BECAUSE i'm on a budget. I typed aquarium lighting into E-Bay search and this was the first thing on the list, highlighted in purple as if to say "This is what YOU NEED!" lol

My Aquarium is 27 inches deep and 72 inches long.

I planned to hang the fixtures a good 12-18 inches above the water.

I am not a big fan of having coral and live rock stacked all the way up the back of the tank like most people do so I was planning on just having my coral stop at around half way up and leaving room up top for some sort of free swimming fish or two.

I have been reading that you are supposed to have anywhere between 3-8 watts per gallon and my aquarium is 150 gallons.

The exact same system in 250 or 175 is only $5 and $10 cheaper..

I have looked into HO T5 but I haven't been able to find anything at all in 72 inches that I can afford. I have found a few things in the 48 inch range but they are still $200+ and barely give 200watts.

Trying to use two 36 inch strips is almost more expensive than a single 72.

I guess I could go with odysea (sp?) lights but I have heard nothing but horrible things about them. Even my local live rock supplier had to throw some away last year because nobody would by them.

Anyway, that is why I was looking at 400watt metal halides. I could get 175 or 250 instead if you think that would be better. I guess I would prefer to have T5 just because my aquarium is in my room and it is warm enough in here as it is. But right now I will take cheap prices over my personal comfort.

So if you guys have any suggestions, I am all ears.

Thanks again.

edit:

Oh yeah, my local HOA pays the electricity bills.

Logzor · 06/01/2009, 09:43 PM

Nice! They pay the electric?!

I think 250's would be fine. More is not always better.

I definitely think that you should go with DIY type units. At lot of those cheap fixtures are pretty bad..

As far as T5's going, yeah, thats hard/pain to do on a 72inch tank.

What corals are you keeping again? If you plan on doing a full blown sps reef then go with 400s. Anything else go with 250s. 400s will toast softies and even some LPS even if the fixture is 14 inches up.

Do not worry about watts per gallon, it does not make much sense.

Kur · 06/01/2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Logzor
Nice! They pay the electric?!

I think 250's would be fine. More is not always better.

I definitely think that you should go with DIY type units. At lot of those cheap fixtures are pretty bad..

As far as T5's going, yeah, thats hard/pain to do on a 72inch tank.

What corals are you keeping again? If you plan on doing a full blown sps reef then go with 400s. Anything else go with 250s. 400s will toast softies and even some LPS even if the fixture is 14 inches up.

Do not worry about watts per gallon, it does not make much sense.

Honestly you lost me at 'sps'

I really have not gotten to the stage where I am looking at what corals or even fish I want to buy yet. For now my tank is still cycling and I am trying to slowly get enough live rock in to do me some good (only 29 pounds so far..)

I figured I would worry more about getting the equipment I need for a 'general' reef setup and then tailor my livestock according to what my setup is.

probably not the best way to do it, but it is all i can do with such a small budget.

So yeah, i don't know thing one about any marine critter or coral at all yet. i was planning to start that phase of my research next week probably.

Anyway, How would I go about doing a DIY light system? I haven't seen anything anywhere that looked like I could actually accomplish that for much less than just buying a whole system at the lfs. If you have any links I would really appreciate them!

And no sorry, they don't pay the electric, they pay the water. My mistake. but this condo is so well insulated that our electric bill is pretty low for our area.

05/31/2009, 09:19 PM	#1
Kur Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ. Posts: 125	Super cheap E-Bay MH 400w opinions Hello all! I am brand new to the world of salt water aquariums and was absolutely floored by the price my lfs wants for lighting. So after about 2 days of scouring the internet I came across this auction on E-Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/400-Watt-Metal-H...arms=72%3A1205\|66%3A2\|65%3A12\|39%3A1\|240%3A1309\|301%3A1\|293%3A1\|294%3A50 400 watt, MH light, chrome reflector, (batwing? lol) choice of 14,000K or 20,000K bulb, new ballast. 3 year warranty. $95 Seems like a darn good deal to me, even if the ballast is garbage and I end up having to replace it. I looked into it a bit more and found out it is a 'system' made by Sylvainia, so I am assuming that is what brand the ballast is. The e-bay listing says the bulbs are made by Plus Lighting, whom I have never heard of... then again, I haven't heard of anything concerning marine tanks until just 2 weeks ago.. Here is the page to the online store: http://www.insidesun.com/64ee65df356...4f5f151dd.item I've sent an e-mail to the guy who runs the store and asked him several questions: 1. What type and brand is the ballast? 2. Is there any type of glass or acrylic UV shield/splash guard? 3. What size socket is it? I realize for less than $100 I will probably end up getting what I pay for, but I figured with a 3 year warranty, or even just buying a better ballast, I should still be making off like a thief compared to trying to buy an $800-$1200 light strip from my lfs or online. of course, with my tank I would need to buy two of these things at least. Keeping in mind that I am on a super tight budget (less than $50 a week... stupid recession) do you guys think I should give these a shot? I am really trying to keep this project as cheap as possible. Probably going to DIY anything I can. Any thoughts?

06/01/2009, 07:36 PM	#6
JNye Moved On Up Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lansing, IL Posts: 2,230	ask for a used setup here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=537 I'm sure you could do much better buying used. __________________ Joe Current Tank Info: it don't matter just don't bite it

05/31/2009, 11:41 PM	#2
One Dumm Hikk Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Phenix City Alabama Posts: 739	There is a lot more to MH lights/bulbs than simply getting a ballast, reflector, socket and bulb for it. The "batwing" is also called a "spider reflector" because of its shape. Other than a flat piece of metal behind the bulb, it isn't easy to find a less efficient reflector for a MH than the "bat wings" are. I read a thread earlier today that was on MH fixtures and its saved on my desktop (I am on my laptop). When I get back to the desktop tomorrow I will try to post a link to it so you can read it (If someone doesn't post it before then).

06/01/2009, 12:22 AM	#3
One Dumm Hikk Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Phenix City Alabama Posts: 739	http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php More than you ever cared to know about MH lighting

06/01/2009, 06:04 PM	#4
Kur Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ. Posts: 125	Thanks for the link, but as it turns out I have already read that article. Like I said, I realize I would probably get what I pay for, and I understand that this is certainly not an ideal set-up. But I simply can not afford anything else. I was just wondering if anybody here has ever tried this particular system, or knows anything else about it. I am just planning to use this system (if I do buy it) to get me started with the easier, more forgiving, corals. I fully intend to upgrade to a better system once the economy picks up or I find a higher paying job. And I figure a 400W MH, no matter how cheap, or insufficiently reflected (can always upgrade that later) has to be much better than my current NO florescent 50W strip light (which happens to have 10 year old tubes, no black ends yet!)

06/01/2009, 06:45 PM	#5
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	Why on earth would you get a 400w MH when on a budget? Tell us more about what you are trying to achieve. I imagine a 250w would be fine unless your tank 4 feet deep! A 400w bulb will melt "easy" corals pretty fast. Have you considered T5 lighting. Keep in mind electricity costs!

06/01/2009, 08:36 PM	#7
hlem Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 91	Interesting.... i'm also looking for lighting... please let me know how it is if you get it.

06/01/2009, 09:43 PM	#9
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	Nice! They pay the electric?! I think 250's would be fine. More is not always better. I definitely think that you should go with DIY type units. At lot of those cheap fixtures are pretty bad.. As far as T5's going, yeah, thats hard/pain to do on a 72inch tank. What corals are you keeping again? If you plan on doing a full blown sps reef then go with 400s. Anything else go with 250s. 400s will toast softies and even some LPS even if the fixture is 14 inches up. Do not worry about watts per gallon, it does not make much sense.