250w HQI Hood suggestions, please

[goldmaniac]

I'm sure there's a thread or more about this, but I couldn't find one using the Search tool...

I'm in the market for a 48" hood with dual 250w HQI lights. I'd like to go with supplementals that are stronger/improved over standard CF compact florescents, but I have a budget so I can't go nutz with the total price.

Any suggestions for four-foot hoods that you're VERY happy with?

thanks

 

[downhillbiker]

I have the odyssea 760w metal halide/compact fourescent. I got if from Aquatraders.com for $359 plus free shipping.

I am very happy with it. They have new electronic ballasts that are very small and dont have the fire hazards of the old odyssea lights. Many people say you have to replace the ballasts and bulbs and just use the housing but that is totally false IMO. My tank gets tons of light and keeps all of my SPS, LPS, Polyps, Clams, and Anemones happy.

I do intend to purchase the odyssea 15k bulbs when the 10k bulbs wear out. I would like it a little bluer, but am still happy with it now.

Here is a couple pics for you to decide for yourself:

 

[goldmaniac]

thanks for the quick reply

i currently have the Odyssea hood with 150w HQI's, about 2 years old, and I'm pretty happy with mine, as well. Need more power, though.

2 years ago, when I got it:

<img src="http://www.goldmaniac.com/fishtank/fishtank_oct06/fish%20tank%2010-22-06_600.jpg" border="0" alt="">

and all I've had to do is replace the one crappy fan with two fans and all is well. I used Pentium II CPU fans and they fit perfectly.

Good to know that Odyssea is improving...

Anyone else? Please let me know

 

[goldmaniac]

Downhillbiker,

I'm looking at the Odysseas on aquatraders, can you tell me if the CF's are tilted away from the tank? on mine, the older version, the CF's actually are tilted about 15-20 degrees away from straight down. don't know why they did that.

doesn't look like it on yours, but want to be sure.
thanks

otherwise, the 760w model is looking good..