Is this a good Metal Halide kit?

[fishcounter]

My LFS is selling these and I wanted to see if there are a good option for metal halides as a retrofit setup. They are made by JBJ (Idon't know if that is a good brand or not). The reflector is useless because its pretty small. I would have to modify it to get it to reflect better into my reef. I bought a pair just because they were selling fast. I wanted to ask you guys your opinion and then I will take them back if they stink. The lfs said they would take the return.

here is the link to the lights:
http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_k1.html

I bought 2 x 175 watts 14,000 k kits. I was debating on getting the 250's but I already have 260 watts of fluroescent and actinic. What would you guys do?
Thanks!

[Rob]

well, based on personal opinion, i would have went 2x 250 10,000K. you have a 90 gallon tank right? (sry, drawing a blank now)

i cant speak to the quality, but based on the name JBJ has some decent products. most of it i have seen is economy, but fairly decent quality for that class. i guess it comes to what you paid for it. i would say if you paid more than $275-$300 you paid too much.

[fishcounter]

No, I paid $160. Thats becasue they are 175s though. However, I think taht I am going to take them back and get 2x250 watts of this system from customaquatic: (Its the first system listed for $189.)
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=lt-m-r2 Would you say that Coral vue
is a decent product?

[fishcounter]

Sorry Rob, yes I have a 90 gallon. You are right o the 250's. The tanks too deep for 175s. Thanks.

[ghostbear29]

that and also the ballast on the custom looks better. You will get better bulb life as well as other things to mention. anyways, I like that jbj, just not on a big tank like your 90. 250 definately.

[Rob]

i agree.. go with the custom aquatic 250w ones.. ;)

[fishcounter]

Rodger that. I am taking back these other lights today.
Thanks

[gwen_o_lyn]

Sorry Rob, yes I have a 90 gallon. You are right o the 250's. The tanks too deep for 175s. Thanks.

The 175's are fine if you want a softie/LPS tank. But most people don't pay the extra for MH's for that reason. I'm gonna guess you are wanting some SPS, clams and such so the 250's would be better.

As far as temperature goes- 14K is good if you don't have supplements, but you mentioned having actinics- I personally would get 4 actinics bulbs and 10K MH for the best coral growth. If you are using an existing PC setup and have 2-10K white and 2 actinic- you can see how you like it and when it's time to change out the bulbs, you can buy all 4 actinics bulbs to offset the white metal halide.