72 inch current outer orbit 3 x 150w outdated?

[griffmantank]

First post on the forum. I was in the hobby back until 2007 and now I am finishing my basement and we are going to set back up my 210 gallon tank. I had bought a 72 inch Current Outer Orbit 3 x 150w with compact fluorescent lights right before I broke my tank down to move. I am wanting to keep more of a reef tank this time and I am just wondering if these lights are going to be able to keep any type of corals or if I am better off to just scrap them and purchase new lights? Seems like lighting has changed a good bit since I bought them and I am just not sure if these are even worth using anymore. Obviously if they will work I am happy to keep using them if it will save me some money to buy other things for my tank. Thank for any and all help!
Daniel

 

[griffmantank]

Tank dimensions are 72 long 24 deep 30 tall

 

[griffmantank]

Picture of lights

Picture of lights

here is a picture of the lights

 

[griffmantank]

Tank picture

Tank picture

Here is a picture of my tank. We are going to build it in the wall so I can have plenty of room for equipment behind it. More importantly keep all of it out of eyesight so I can keep the wife happy.

 

[azjohnny]

Depends on what will be in the tank. I have the same light system for my FOWLR and works great. I have thought about going the LED route but not yet.

It can be a PITA to work in the tank since the light needs to be removed

 

[griffmantank]

Thanks for the reply. I had a FOWLR tank before but I am planning to try some easy/beginner corals maybe some LPS. Just something to learn with and go from there.

Yeah I am just trying to figure out what equipment still works and what needs to be replaced.

 

[silverking]

that light will be fine to start with. will be able to keep plenty of corals with that set up.

 

[griffmantank]

Thanks Greg. I appreciate it. I will replace bulbs and use it for a while. I really like the look of them years ago and I guess I thought they were pretty popular when I bought them. When I started reading up again on what I am going to need to get things set back up I was surprised they were discontinued and now I just hear about LEDs, MH's, and T5s.

 

[tank41]

+1 on being fine. I had the same brand fixture on my 180 although it housed the 250 watt bulbs and 8x39 watt t5's. Yes there are alot better options out there but hey not all of us can afford all the bells and whistles this hobby has to offer. As long as you have fresh bulbs you should have no problems with what you want to keep. People did it in the past and personally have seen many beautiful tanks utilizing the MH/Compact combination. Good luck.

 

[griffmantank]

Thanks tank41. I appreciate it!

 

[moondoggy4]

3 Phoenix 14k's DE would be nice.

 

[Macimage]

It will be fine. I'm still using my fixture with 3 250 mh's & t5's over my 225 since I set it up in 2001.

 

[tank41]

Just Sold mine a couple of months ago. Went to Led's about 6 months ago. Wish I would have kept it cuz the resale value was not that great. Have no regrets going with the Led's but it was a awwsome fixture that put out tons of light. I agree with the Pheonix Option.

 

[grigsy]

It will be fine. Save yourself the money and stick with this unit. Just change out the MH and PC bulbs and you will be great.

 

[griffmantank]

Thanks to everyone on the response. I will order some new bulbs and go on down the road. I will look into the Phoenix option for sure!