I've had both. I had to replace one of my 400w tar/coil ballasts once and
got a blueline electronic ballast to replace it. So for another 1.5-2yrs I
was running 1 400w on a tar/coil and 1 400w on an electronic. (I've since
moved to PC). They gave the same color from the same bulb type (You couldn't
tell the difference) and the electronic ballast ran cool to the touch (where
the tar/coil was quite hot). The electronic is also much more engery
efficient. I see no reason to go tar/coil even if up front cost is cheaper,
you'll pay more in the long run through your electric bill

As far as brands, I liked my blueline. Never had a problem with it. You can
find them he

http://www.championlighting.com/e/en.../eballast.html

I've never had any problems with these guys either. I had a bulb get broken
in shipping once and they sent me a new one no questions.

Greg

"Mort" wrote in message
om...
I'm getting very close to investing in a lighting system for my new 180gal
reef.

I need some input on MH ballst brands.

I'd prefer to get the electronic vs the coil or magnetic type.

Any suggestions?

Particularly, what do you think of the new CoralVue 400watt and the
E-Ballast?

TIA

~Mort