Suggestion for 5' MH Fixture?

[Kengar]

I am planning a 156 (5 feet X 24 wide X 25 high) system. I will be running without a canopy and want MH lighting.

Originally I had been planning to get a Current USA Outer Orbit 2 X 250 MH + 4 X 65 PC setup (see here ), but discovered that it has fan-cooled magnetic ballast, which I'm concerned would be quite loud. The 2 X 150 (+ 4 X 65 PC) system has electronic ballasts, which should be much quieter, but I'm concerned 2 X 150 wouldn't be enough light. (I'm planning to focus on SPS.) Therefore, the Current USA lights might not be right for me.

Any suggestions for other companies that make MH fixtures that can be mounted over the top of an open tank? I really don't want to hang a fixture from the ceiling. PFO does a custom arrangement, but I'm not sure their setups can be supported above an open-topped tank.

Thanks for input.

 

[pjpeels]

250 watt fixtures feature remote fan-cooled magnetic ballast HQI driving systems.

Meaning you can put the ballasts in an area of your choice. Under the tank. Next to the tank. Behind the tank.
My point is that you will not be driving the fans for the ballast directly over the tank. You can hide the ballast and suppress the sound a bit. I don't know how loud they are to begin with.
I would not restrict the air flow or have anything but cool air going in because anything that was designed with ventilation needs to be in a spot where it can receive adequate ventilation.
I would prefer not to have a fan cooled system over tank because it has the potential to ventilate the fixture with humid air.
They can get away with the built in electronics because of that and because they don't get as hot to begin with.

Just my thoughts,
pjpeels

 

[jmack]

I have the 2x250 w/T5's and I don't even hear the ballast; they are behind my tank in my stand.