You don't have to spend $1000 on a light either. I don't have one, but have looked into it and probably read every post in the huge Odyssea thread. I would plan on replacing the ballasts, the ones that come with it don't put out the advertised 250 watts, meaning that you will not be able to run another 250W bulb. New ballasts seem to change the light dramatically. Some have said that the new units come with updated ballasts, but the jury seems to be out on that. Do a search and read the thread. There are a ton of reviews from people who actually own the unit and will give you real information.