Metal halide

[Thrashersinc14]

I'm looking to get a metal halide bulb off of Craig's list to hold me over till I can afford LEDs. Here is the add "This is a 48" metal halide fixture. It has 2-250 watt bulbs along with 2 vho bulbs. It has one ballast for bulbs. This light was used on my 90 gallon reef. It is very powerful and will grow any corals. Not interested in trades. Cash is king!" the bulbs are a yr old and are screw in type. It cost $200 is this good or bad

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[ccCapt]

Year old metal halide bulbs will need to be replaced. Same with the VHO's which are really only good for 6 months. Quality replacement bulbs for the MH and VHO will run you around $150-$175. Now your looking at $350-$375.
For $400 you can get yourself a AI Sol LED and save up for the other one.
Aqua Illuminations Sol Modular LED Lighting System - English

 

[Thrashersinc14]

Well going against what you said I talked him down to $150 then $50 for two xm 20000k bulbs. So for $200 bucks I have new lights and fixture, but more importantly I have light over my whole tank now a year to save for some LEDs. My next question is going to be do I need actinic lights with 20000k bulbs. Thanks for your advice if I had a current fixture I would of listened but I needed one ASAP. Again thanks!

 

[Thrashersinc14]

Ok so again I turn here asking for help. I have a Hamilton lighting technology light. This light runs the two vho bulbs with a ice cap ballast. I have seen the wiring for the 430 model ballast. The wiring has different colors. What do I do?