250w Hamilton ReefStar HQI Pendant

[wazupjames]

Are these setups any good? I am concerned about the ballast not being an electronic ballast. What do you guys think?

[tkeracer619]

Magnetic vs Electronic doesn't matter. It all depends on the bulb you want to run. Magnetic is not an inferior ballast.

Is there a reason you want to go with that one?

Tell us about your tank, what you keep, and what color you like. we can help you get the right setup.

[wazupjames]

I have a 120g Mixed reef. All coral SPS, LPS, Softies. I want to run 2 x 250w MH with a 2x48in bulb T5 ho running actinics. I bought 1 250w metal halide from fish need it and went to buy the other but they are out of stock for 2 months. So now I am trying to find an alternative to replace the one I currently have and get a second to finish my light setup. The one I have is running a 20k bulb that looks more like a 14k. I would like to run 20k's. I already have my Hagen T5HO GLO and LED moonlights.

My reason for choosing that one is the price $250-$275, is a pretty good deal for the whole setup.

[tkeracer619]

If you want to run 20k bulbs I would run a SE bulb instead of DE. Radium 20k all the way!

What are the tanks dimensions?

[wazupjames]

60 long 24 deep 18 wide

[Reefnut2010]

I have 2 of these Reefstar pendants with 2 175 watt Iwasaki bulbs.Supplemented with 2 t5s. My tank is 5 ft long, so I have some shawdows. The spread would be better with 3. I use it to my advantage though and place corals there that don't demand high light. Overall, I like it, but will probably go led soon for the savings. I just purchased new bulbs. The cost with tax and shipping. A whopping $186.00 !!!!!!!!!!

[tkeracer619]

I would go with

2x Luminarc Mini reflectors
http://www.aquacave.com/lumenarc-iii-mini-mogulbr-base-reflector-1210.html

2x Galaxy Select a watt 250w-400w ballasts
http://www.aquacave.com/galaxy-select-a-watt-br250w-400w--metal-halide-br-electronic-ballast-by-brsunlight-supply-2900.html#

and

2x Radium 20k 250w.
http://www.aquacave.com/radium-250w-20000k-brsingle-ended-metal-halide-lamp-1368.html

If you ever decide you want to go heavier into SPS and want 400w halides you can easily do that by just changing out the bulbs. The system is pricier but IME a much better setup. Better everything and the ballasts have a 5 year warranty.