I'm adding MH to my planted FW tank but thought I'd ask about the cost of control gear here since Marines are much bigger users of this type of lighting.

I've already bought the control gear but am interested in the price people expect to pay.

I have 2 x 250W control gear designed for a tube with a running voltage of approx 100V.

The lamps aren't useful for marine but will be fine for plants.

What's the best price / source you've found?

Around $90 for a 400W ballast and starter down here.

Layton

Radium NZ Lighting

1/27 Porana Rd Glenfield Auckland 0-9-444 4873

for about $280 they do a 400W ballast and reflecter unit.

HI Warren,

Could you post some part #'s for what you are using for your FW tank...

It is an option i would look at for my 5 footer.

John

This is what I got and what I paid for it...

2 x OGS250100 Acto Choke HPS 250W $49.00ea

2 x AZRM6ES Atco Ignitor M/H & HPS 150-400W $21.70ea

2 x CP30.0-06 Atco Capacitor 30MFD 250V $7.98ea

4 x Fr2 Ceramic Holders $11.25ea

2 x OSRHQITS 250D Metal Halide 250W 5200K $87.50ea

All that remains is to fabricate a reflector and good looking pendant fitting. Here lies the problem as NZ has the worst range of aluminium extrusions possible. I've spent my lunchtimes and after work for the last 4 days looking for nice curved extrusions to make a really good looking pendant along similar lines to the Arcadia 3 series... What a dissapointment it's turned out to be. If anyone knows where you can source good looking curved extrusions let me know.

All up so far, $377.36 + GST. No too bad for 2 x 250W.

The possible extrusions to make a 2.4m double pendant will add about another $200 once powder coated so under $600 all up.