What do you think about 250 MH - can't afford Nova Pro

[UnderwaterWorld]

I am actually interested in getting one for the same reason, let me know how it works, I would assume the 150 would run even cooler? I know some people just replace the fans and it works better too

[lightcs4]

While I am happy with the purchase so far, I would still recommend a solid name brand. I took a gamble as it was either this model or none at all. However, I may loose the bet if I ever need service. I also need to order the HQI bulbs on line as my LFS doesn't carry HQI yet (there are several on-line vendors though). I almost decided to stretch it for the Nova Extreme Pro's (and probably would have if they included shipping). I don't want to come accross as hipacritical (sp?), just want to be straight forwardand give something to think about.

One more thing ... I have heard replacing the ballast with Icecap ballasts can make a huge difference. I'm sure other ballast may give similar results. You won't end up saving any money by doing this, but can spread the expense over time (which is what I will likely do). The Icecap ballasts run between $130 and $150 for the 250 watt HQI units.

[fatman]

Originally Posted by lightcs4

While I am happy with the purchase so far, I would still recommend a solid name brand. I took a gamble as it was either this model or none at all. However, I may loose the bet if I ever need service. I also need to order the HQI bulbs on line as my LFS doesn't carry HQI yet (there are several on-line vendors though). I almost decided to stretch it for the Nova Extreme Pro's (and probably would have if they included shipping). I don't want to come accross as hipacritical (sp?), just want to be straight forwardand give something to think about.

You found a U.S. outlet for 175 watt HQI bulbs? I haven't searched throughly, just the large regular sites, like Marine Depot and Drs. Foster and Smith, and they do not carry them. I really do hope that the market gets better for good lighting systems in HQI halide. I get a pretty good discount buying in bulk, but I can not get an AquaLight Pro as cheap as an Odyssey 4 foot fixture. Have you found compatible ballasts for a 175 HQI, magnetic or electronic either one would work for repairs/replacement if needed?

[daugherty]

i think hamiliton has them.

[lightcs4]

I haven't looked for the 175's. I'm looking around for the 250's. I'll keep an eye out for US outlets for the 175s and post if I find anything.

[fatman]

Originally Posted by lightcs4

I haven't looked for the 175's. I'm looking around for the 250's. I'll keep an eye out for US outlets for the 175s and post if I find anything.

I am sorry, I am getting the threads confused again. I thought you bought the Odyssey 175 HQI halides with PC and moon lights that have the electronic ballasts in the fixture. They are sold cheaply but I have not found any U.S. source for bulbs are replacement ballasts for a 175 watt HQI, only standard mogul 175 watt halides. They are made in China, and originally were having problems with electrical fires and burnt up ballasts. They have 50 Hz power we have 60 Hz power. We had the same problems when we initially started getting HQI lighting systems from Germany. American firms now produce HQI ballasts and bulbs only in 70, 150, 250, 400 and maybe 1000 watt.

[newbeemike]

I run a 2x 250 MH / 14k on a 75 gallon tank. The only big change I have seen is how fast your water is going to evaporate. I have to replace about
2 1/2 gallons of water a day. I also run a fan over the top of the water to maintain fairly consistant temp. My tank can fluctuate between 78 and 81 with the fan.

[fatman]

Originally Posted by newbeemike

I run a 2x 250 MH / 14k on a 75 gallon tank. The only big change I have seen is how fast your water is going to evaporate. I have to replace about
2 1/2 gallons of water a day. I also run a fan over the top of the water to maintain fairly consistant temp. My tank can fluctuate between 78 and 81 with the fan.

A little more flucuation than is desireable, but the high and the low are both within a good temperature range. It is diifficult to kep flucuation to any less than that without a good temerature controller however. Most people would be estatic to be able to run temperatures that stable and within that range with halides.