Needing to provide lighting for my new tank (better be ready tomorrow Eric!) has allowed me the opportunity to do a significant amount of research on MH lighting. I just thought that I would share the latest bit of comparison that I have found. If valid, this has really opened my eyes as contradictory of what some have told me recently. I will research pricing on the Blueline that is mentioned in this article. Visit: http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish/library/articleview2.asp?Section=Aquarium+Frontiers+--+Product+Review&RecordNo=1392 - http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish/library/articleview2.asp?Section=Aquarium+Frontiers+--+Product+Review&RecordNo=1392

Sweeeeeet, decided to go with MH...  Have you decided on a bulb?  Do you plan to use and actinic?  Can't wait to see some pics.

Carl,  what's contradictory?

Here's where you'll find the bluelines:  http://www.championlighting.com/e/env/0001enI4PsxDvsU6wE549J0/Products/Lighting/lighting.html?link=/Products/Lighting/eballast.html - http://www.championlighting.com/e/env/0001enI4PsxDvsU6wE549J0/Products/Lighting/lighting.html?link=/Products/Lighting/eballast.html

JF,  Just some opinions that tar ballasts are equally as good and that electronics are not all that great. I know that the vast majority of people, especially those who have used MH, understand the differences. However, there are those of us who have not had the opportunity to experience them that might not know much about them. Now STOP PICKING ON ME JON! 

Travis, I am still up in the air on bulbs. I think that blueline has a real nice bulb too. Sounds like a monopoly doesn't it? Any suggestions? I will get some pics of the tank once I am happy with it for sure! I still need to get out your way and see yours!

You welcome to stop by anytime!!  I would do some searching for some first hand experience on the Bluelines.  They seem to be new and that article seemed a little bias...  not saying it wasn't accurate though.

I've been going back and forth on bulbs.  I run 10k with 2- actinic VHOs and I would like more of a blue color... but I've read with the 20k you sacrifice intensity and growth.  So I'm not sure.  I have another 6-mo before they need replaced so I'm hoping to figure it out by then.

From what I've read (no first hand experience) these seem to be the most popular choices...

6500k Iwasaki
10000k Ushio
20000k Radium

They say...

6500k Great Growth - Yellow appearance
10000k Good Growth - Whitish appearance (mine are whitish/yellow w/o the actinics)
20000k Ok Growth - Blueish appearance

BTW, what wattage are you looking at?

*Pick* That article did appear a little biased (I'm not sure he did his power calcs correctly).  The only *pick* advantage I personally see in an electronic ballast is that you can run darn near every bulb out there.  There is an energy *pick* savings, but it's something like 25 watts, ($0.30 per month more), not an issue in my book.  It's *pick* possible that they might burn the bulb a little different too.

That's a good point Jon...  25-30 watts isn't much to worry about. 

Also, the cooltouch lighting systems can have pulse start ballasts put in them for a little extra $$$$ upon request.  

Jon, you are a very, very cruel man! 

Not about the picking thing, but adding confusion to the issue. You should be ashamed! If the energy savings isn't all that great, then I don't understand the true advantage. So why not go pulse start at half the cost?

Travis, I like the clean light look with maybe a hint of blue. Eric is running some really nice lights, and Rick at From The Sea showed off some differences. I am probably going to go with 10K's. Let me know when it's not too snowey & blustery up your way, I don't want to break out the dogs and sled yet. We'll definately have to plan an excursion.