Need help deciding on lighting

[Deadeye]

For a 75 Gallon reef. I was planning on doing 2x250watt 14k metal halide pendants and hanging them over the tank.

I need some recommendation I found these: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...&Product_Code=PFO-MINI250HQ-CS&Category_Code=

Comes with everything, or should I go with these

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...Product_Code=ICE-250PEN&Category_Code=Icecapr

or something else? I am thinking choice number 1, since it's all ready to go and PFO is good from what I hear.

 

[John Kelly]

I like your second selection. I haven't bought in to the double ended mh bulbs like in your first selection so I don't have any experience with them yet, but I would prefer the larger reflector like in your second selection; plus the icecap ballasts. I have 2x175mh (single ended mogul) over my 75 with a 100w vho (not currently working) and that is plenty of light for my needs even without the vho (LPS, some sps, and soft corals). I don't know what the heat differences or PAR differences are between the two so hopefully, you will get some other opinions.

 

[Deadeye]

I hear the icecaps are better from what I read,

 

[SoupySteve]

I know mine are only 150w, but I love having pendants - by avoiding an enclosure, I THINK I have significantly reduced the heating effect of my lights. ...so I guess I'm not telling you which of your two options I'd prefer... but I AM saying that pendants are the way to go - much cooler than a canopy IN MY OPINION