Best MH-T5 combo question

[jdellman]

After researching lights for no less than 6 months, I finally decided on the best T5 to put under the canopy. While waiting for order to be shipped, I got the okay from the boss to not use the canopy, which means that I can now use MH.

So, after tons and tons of research, I am back to square one, and now need to figure out the best MH/T5 light combo.

I came across these-

1) Current USA 48 inch Outer Orbit 2x250w 10K HQI-MH w/ 4x54W T5 HO & 18 Lunar Lights $879.99

2) Aqua Medic Ocean Light T5/Metal Halide Combo - 48 inch 2 x 250 Watt MH + 2 x 54 Watt T5 Fixture - Black $700

3) Coralife 48 Inch Aqualight Pro, 2x250W HQI MH Lamp + 2x96W PC + 3x1W Lunar LED 814, about $1000.

Any thoughtsor suggestions on these units, or any suggestions on alternatives? It is for a 120 gallon, 4 x 2 x 2, and I would like to keep anything down the road.

Thank you in advance.

Jim

 

[bureau13]

I have the 72" 4x250W version of the Aqua Medic, which I like a lot. However, if that Current USA fixture has four rows (2 front, 2 back) of T5 that's going to give you some nice flexibility in terms of playing around with different colored T5 bulbs. That's the one shortcoming I see with my AM (that and the lack of lunar LEDs, but they're pretty easy to add).

On the negative side, I have a Current PC fixture I got on a 29 gal setup I bought and now when I turn it on it shocks the crap out of me...not sure if that's typical or not.


jds