Best ballast and reflectors for metal halides

[ecam]

Considering switching. But trying to figure out what the best equipment would be. Plan is to run 250 to 400w 20k radiums. Over a 180 gallon tank. Any opinion will be appreciated. Was looking at the Luxcore brand from coralvue

Thanks for any help

 

[cmantis]

Reefbrite the guy that designs them is genius.

 

[Masgatigata]

I'm currently looking into this as well. From what I've read so far, an m80 ballast is the way to go for 250w radiums. The only company that seems to sell this anymore is hamilton:

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/Metal-Halide-HQI-250-Watt-M80-Assembled-Ballast-378

A link I found helpful is located here:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

I'm not much with the electrical. I currently have an old coralvue 250w dimmable on my Sfiglio fixture. I'm leaning more towards that m80 everyday.

 

[viplok]

if u want to run 400w radium you should look in to lumtek and run the 400wSL setting. i am currently using a luxcore and i have no complain. m80 is good but i just hate the fan which get loud over time.

 

[MIKE NY]

Tried and seen many bulb and ballast combos over the years and the best ballasts IMO for 250 Radiums are Hamilton M80 magnetics