Lighting upgrade

[blureef1]

I am currently running a 250w MH pfo pendant on an icecap ballanst for my 50g (3 ft long) (no hood, just hanging it so retrofits are out of the question). I am using a AB 10k bulb and am pretty happy with it. I would however like it to be a little more blue, but I am not willing to go to a hamilton or phoenix 14k. So I am thinking of getting a new fixture with some supplemental light. I am mostly concerned with aesthetics, but more light is always better, and the ability to run actinics only would be nice as well. Looking for more lighting flexibility and options that supplements provide.

I have been focussing on getting T5's to supplement, but I could be talked out of it.

What I have been looking at thus far is
1) Current USA Outer Orbit 1x250mh + 4 X24w T5 + LED's
2)Aqua Medic Ocean light. 1x250mh + 2x24w t5

Other options
Corallife with PCs or a PFO with VHO.

My questions:
How is the quality of the Current USA systems? Does anyone know what kind of 10k bulbs they ship with and how does it look vs. an AB 10k?

Are the LED's a true differentiator or a minor point ( I could live without them, but they would be kind of cool)?

Are 2 24w T5's going to be enough light to be noticed alongside the 250w 10k? How about 4?

If I get the Orbit or Aqua medic, should I replace the stock balance with my Icecap?

Woud I be better off with PC's or VHO's?

Any other fixtures that I should consider?

I have been recommended the AM by a vendor who sells both
What would you do if you were me?

Thanks for any info and insights.

 

[GSMguy]

you can run you icecap if you like no need to though

i think the outer orbit is the best bang for your buck
nicer than the aquamedic by far

i think you would be worse of with pcs but vho is ok

leds are a nice feature
the t5 suppliments will not be totally washed out by the halides like pc suplliments would

also with the t5s you can run the halides less and get a nicer electricity bill

 

[blureef1]

Thanks for the info.

On paper the Outer Orbit is nicer. I am slightly concerned with the quality of it though.

Anyone have any good or bad experiences with the MH/T5 unit. I know some people have mentioned the t5 reflectors as not being optimal.

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9686264#post9686264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blureef1
Thanks for the info.

On paper the Outer Orbit is nicer. I am slightly concerned with the quality of it though.

Anyone have any good or bad experiences with the MH/T5 unit. I know some people have mentioned the t5 reflectors as not being optimal.

i own an aquamedic and a current fixture and the quality of them seems very similar. the outer orbits are well put together