Lighting for SPS Dominated Tank

[200mfromocean]

I am searching for a fixture to light 4' by 2' by 2' or 3' by 2'' by 2' open top SPS dominated reef.

I am considering:
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/shop/?cat=81
3' Deluxe with 2 Metal Halides & 2-39 Watt HO Super Actinics

250 Watt Icecap ballasts, 10K bulbs, with HO superactinics

or

going with 2 independent MH fixtures

Since it will be an open top. I was going to maybe go for one of the DIY light hangers with adjustable hangin kit, and as in last months article. The traditional canopies are a bit bulky IMO especially for MH.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/diy/index.php

Anyone tried a lot of variations that prefer the hamilton? Is the hamil;ton load? Anything else worth checking into?

Thanks

 

[JNye]

I would use 2 lumenmax 2 or 3's depending on which you like the look of better and whether you prefer DE or SE. You lose the T5s but gain individual reflectors on the MH, much better IMO. Use a nice blue bulb and you won't even need the actinics.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquar...etal_halide_sunlight_lumen_max_reflector.html

You'll save some money and get a much better lighting system.

 

[200mfromocean]

The lumenax 3's are the most attractive followed by 2, and the elite. I would aggree I would get better light using the single reflectors but it is going to be more difficult to gain wife clearance with 2 individual versus one single unit.

 

[JNye]

the hamilton is crap for reflector quality. IMO its ugly and the 2 singles will look cooler. They also offer easier access in the tank without having to move a larger light.

 

[200mfromocean]

What about the Aquatinics and Sunlight supply maristar 36" fixtures?

 

[JNye]

they look like better choices then the hamilton

 

[cham]

If you were going for a fixture I'd get this one

http://aquariumwholesaledirect.com/oceanlight724x2504x39-2-1.aspx

Twin 250w HQI's and twin 54w T5's. $429 delivered to your door. All you need then is bulbs.