Durability of MH ballast ?

As some of you know I been struggling with equipment issues and was seriously considering getting out. I decided to give it one more shot and that's it I am finished.

So these are some of the options I am considering.

1) Nova Extreme Pro 36" 6-lamp reef fixture with 6 UV Lighting Co 39W lamps, reflectors, UV shield, two cooling fans, separate power cords for blues/whites (dawn to dusk) $250 includes 11 bulbs.

2) 48" Current USA Outer Orbit HQI 2 x 150W MH, Dual Actinic 2 x 130


3) 120W Bridgelux Value LED Fixture 2 x $179


4) Never mind! I just got my replacement fixture, #2 takes it $300 and is only 6 month used

[SIZE=-1]Once you enter Outer Orbit, you will never go back!
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]The Outer Orbit is a spectacular 24-hour lighting solution that combines 10,000k HQI Metal Halide,with Dual Actinic PC's and Moon White Lunar Lights into one sleek, integrated fixture. Take advantage of the powerful shimmering rays of a 10,000k Metal Halide along with revolutionary Dual Actinics which provide dawn and dusk control as well as the necessary energy to activate photosynthesis. Completing the 24-hour lighting cycle is the unique Moon White Lunar Lights, casting a moon glow with rhythmic luminescence over your aquarium for nocturnal viewing and simulation.[/SIZE]




[SIZE=+1]Product Information:
[/SIZE]
- The Most Complete Lighting System Available
- Industry First Integrated Electronic Driving System
- Ultra Quiet Fans
- Lightweight Sleek European Design
- Includes Docking Mounts and Hanging Hardware
- Parabolic Reflector


[SIZE=-1]Steroids For Your Coral[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]
The PowerPaq 10,000k Metal Halide will make your corals thrive with stunning intensity and awesome color rendition. Packed with lumens the 10,000k provides the natural shimmering effect found on coral reefs. Coupled with the highly efficient electronic driving system the 10,00k Daylight PowerPaq produces more lumens per watt than any comparable lamp.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Best of Both Worlds[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]
Enhancing the 10,000k Daylight are the revolutionary Dual Actinic Lamps providing both 460nm and 420nm Actinic in one lamp. Emitting the necessary energy for activating photosynthesis in chlorophyll A and C, the Dual Actinic provides the most complete actinic lighting spectrum available.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=-1]New this unit sales for $759 and this one is not even a year old, mmmmm! good deal.
[/SIZE]

 

It's a decent light with the right bulbs, in the long run I think the LEDs would have suited you better, but I'm glad you're happy with your choice and good luck!

 

So this is what the lights look like, I got until morning to pay my $340. I'm still scratching my head though.

 

Will I got more information on this system! The bulbs are slightly used, however the system is 4 years old. Which makes me even more skeptical. Could the ballast for this system be at or near the end of their life cycle? Typically how long does good ballast last for?

 

So no success on returning the other unit?

This looks similar to it, but a trusted brand rather than EBAY?

 

He wouldn't even entertain the idea of a return, 30 days that's it for a return policy.

It is a brand name and quite spendy at that, but if the unit can get me through the next few years it would be more than worth it. The ballast on this one already lasted 4 times longer than my cheap unit I have now.

 

Scumbag.

Your ballasts should last on the order of years, not months like your old one. I have halide lighting, but not long enough to comment further on longevity. What brand is the ballast?

 

I'll be honest, if I were going to spend $350, O would buy Logans less (reef breeders) and get that 2 year warranty.

 

I sure would feel better on having a warranty on the lights, more so after what happen with the junk I got now. But I have to say I sure liked the way my SPS Corals were growing under the 250W MH.

I am keeping my finger crossed on this lighting system that I should be getting around Wednesday. This system should be even better since the 2 150W MH lights will be on each side of the center brace.

The one thing I liked the best about the unit is the words USA and I am hoping it means it an American made product, I tend to believe in that : as silly as it may sound.