Confused on Ballast Selection

[Max2000]

Im looking at getting a CurrentUSA orbit HQi/T5 which is basically 2 250WATT metal halide and 4/54WATT T5HO. on there site they say it uses 729 WATTS
so im not sure do i need to get a 800WATT ballast or something cause im having a hard time finding one. I scartched my previous DIY project cause it would wind up costing the same. :squigglemouth: really confused on ballast selection are they in Watts or Volts :squigglemouth:

 

[cparka23]

If you get that CurrentUSA fixture, it has the ballasts built into them already. It's plug-n-play.

Just about every aquarium ballast you'll find in the US is about 120 volts, which is the standard for the power grid here. The wattage refers to how much power it consumes.

 

[Max2000]

thanks cparka, fast reaply and good feed back cause i was going to buy it tomorrow morning before work

 

[Max2000]

anyone have doubt about this company?

 

[Mockery]

My friend has that exact same light and it is great VERY bright!

 

[Tens]

currentUSA makes top notch products i have one of there fixtures over my 29g and a pendant from them over my 40g A+

 

[FaviaFreak]

I use a sunpod and it's a nice piece of equipment

 

[TJ15]

Current makes good lighting. You should buy it.

 

[Viva'sReef]

I have the exact same light your looking at.....Its been very good to me for the last year and half, very nicely built. The only complaint I have is, they should sell it for less without the junk Current brand bulbs.

I switched my Current brand bulbs with Aquascience T5's and Hamilton 250w halides and have been pleased.

The Halide Ballasts are not built in on the 250w model, so you will get 2 remote magnetic ballasts. I wish they would also offer an upgrade to Electronic Ballasts

 

[vetteman]

I have the Outer Orbit 72" with 3 150 HQI's and PC's and I am happy with it....I have concidered converting the PC's to T5's only problems I had was some salt spray on the light shields on the rear PC's......I had to destroy the sheild to remove the lamps