orbit MH2X150/T5 vs Aqua medic MH2X250/T5

[michael43]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide_aqua_medic_ocean_light_t5_combo_series.asp?CartId=

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_metal_halide_current_usa_outer_orbit_hqi_actinic_lunar.asp?CartId=

about the same price, leaning towards the Aqua medic...Any1 oppose this?

[db_triggerfish]

Your link to marinedepot orbit MH2 x 150 are the fixtures with PC lights not T5, for less money get the newest MH 2x150W with 4 x T5 with individual reflectors.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Current-H

or
on ebay best price on these fixtures.
http://cgi.ebay.com/48-529w-Current-USA-Outer-Orbit-Metal-Halide-T5-Strip_W0QQitemZ280056972501QQihZ018QQcategoryZ46314QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

I think these fixtures are going to be a big hit because price and 4 T5 vs 2 T5 of other brands.

[michael43]

but do you think that ordit there is better than the MH2X250 by Aqua medic?

[db_triggerfish]

Check with someone who has aqua medic about the size and heat of their ballast. They both have German individual reflectors.

check this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=997895

Also there are a lot of debates here on RC about T5 vs HM with these new 4 x T5 with MH (IMHO) you will be on both sides.

[AD91158]

I currently have the current t5/hqi fixture and upgraded from the aqua medic 2X250 hqi setup. I believe as far as quality goes the aqua medic is hands down the supperior fixture. However, the outer orbit has a few design features that make it more appealing. For example to replace the bulbs on the aqua medic fixture you have to remove 10 screws, an end plate, and carefully slide the glass out. On the outer orbit four thumb screws hold the glass in place making it a quick task. Also the aqua medic threw out a TON of heat causing drastic temperature fulctuations.

[Smitty750]

So whats the bottom line Outer Orbit or Aqua-Medic Im building a 125 gallon 72x18x23 and am worried that the 3x150HQI and T5 combo wont be enough for SPS and clams. But I also dont want to kill any LPS or softies that I may put in the tank. So I dont know if I should go with the 150's or the 250's. Pls help