i've narrowed down my lighting choices...

[marvinsae]

should i go with this...

http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-36in-Metal-Halide-with-Power-Compact-V2-p/54204.htm

http://cgi.ebay.ca/36-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Reef-Marine-Light-442W-HQI_W0QQitemZ290423406590QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item439e957ffe

or

http://buildyouraquarium.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=185&osCsid=2e08a11977ca8451a9d50eed48f6fd0d

anyone have any experience with these?

[mike31154]

No experience personally with any of these, but I did notice they all use CF for the supplemental lighting, which is not the best choice these days. T5HO or even VHO for fluorescent supplementation may be a better choice. Although VHO is getting more difficult to source, I've read many posts reporting that they are the best if you're looking for any kind of actinic supplementation. I believe CF for marine aquarium use will also fade out in the not too distant future (MH too for that matter), with the advent of improved LED systems.

You may also want to provide some info on what you plan to keep, e.g. sps corals or no, if you require useful feedback on the lighting systems you're considering.

[mseepman]

All of those are pretty basic copies of the original Coralife Aqualight pro.

One you might consider is this: http://www.fishneedit.com/2-x-150w-mhl-with-2-x-2bulbs-3ft-2150223.html

I haven't seen these in person but others on here have their stuff and it uses T5HO instead of PC. The long term costs of replacing PC and how often you have to do it, kinda suck.

[blacknife]

I think those fish need it ones are out of stock, some problem with their manufacture says on the main page. I was planing on getting one months ago then they went out of stock and they still are not in stock. I might just get the halides wich are in stock then order the T5h0 addon if they ever get any more.

[marvinsae]

i wanna have LPS n softies... would this light be overkill?