Two MH systems which is best?
 

Hey, folks:

I am buying a 72 by 24 by 24 tank for reef and want to know which lighting system you would recommend. I don't have enough experience to know which is better in terms of light, quality of fixture and other concerns I haven't even thought of. All your feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have narrowed it down to two fixtures. The question is: Which one?

Here are two links. Please send some feedback my way.

1. http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-...H-vendor-.html

2. http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s..._ID=mh-calp722

Once again. thanks for your considered opinions!

If you are going to use one of those i'd go with the aquamedic as opposed to the coralife. I've heard about more problems with the coralife than the aquamedic. I think that the aquamedic has lower quality parts personally. I have used both i use an aquamedic product currently i like it so far, the coralife one i had i returned. I will say though that i don't like the aquamedic or coralife brand bulbs :(
I kind of like the PC coralife fixtures, but their halide fixtures i don't like.

bulbs
 

Once the first bulbs die, I can use different brand name bulbs to replace, can't I?

yes you can use different bulbs as long as they will work with the ballast you have. if you are buying new ask if they will change the bulbs for you to something you would prefer and see what they say.

yep

Maristar
 

Of course, there is the 6 foot Maristar with 3 250s and T5s which looks good as well.

There are so many choices, I am frozen with indecision.


Maristar linK:http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-...ct-SL2535.html

I have used Aqualight Pros for over a year now & love them, especially the mix of bulbs (like having built in moonlights).

No experience with the other lighting system but it sounds like a really nice setup, with 2 250w mainlights & 2 150w blues. You could always add on moonlights to your setup. The main advantages of this system would seem to be the narrower dimensions make getting inside your tank more convenient & having the blue shimmer (20000k MH) instead of PC actinics.

Anthony

feedback
 

Seahorse. Thanks for the feedback. I like hearing the specifics as to the pros and cons so it can help me make a more informed decision.

I have Aquamedic fixtures and they have been pretty good, there are probably cheaper alternatives.

But definitely T-5's over PC for actinic, I tried a lot of different PC actinic bulbs and they all just looked blue to me not fluorescing like NO or HO.

Maybe there are better bulbs for them now but I never found a good one.

I like the look of the 150w 20k as well especially at dawn/dusk.

hey
 

so far the aquarmedic is winning in feedback with the slimmer profile and the 150MH creating a great shimmering blue