Aqualight Pro vs. outer Orbit

[nanahugs]

For those of you that run either the Aqualight Pro lighting fixture with Mh or the Outer Orbit with Mh I would like a review and how you like the set-up ballast. Both run a different Ballast.
I am trying to decide between these two lighting fixtures for my 40G tank. The outer orbit has 342 watts total which includes one 150W MH bulb, and the aqualight pro also has one 150W MH bulb and the total wattage output is 280.
Both of these fixtures have integrated fans which is important to me. My current T5 lighting unit has integrated fans and I have no heating problems in my aquarium.
I currently have the following tank inhabitants:
2 Clarkii clowns
1 Lawnmower Blenny
2 Blue/Green Chromis
1 Coral Beauty Angelfish
4 soft corals: Hairy mushroom, Azenia, Green Star Polup, and button polup
1 Bubble Tip Anemone
clean-up crew
I am upgrading because my husband wants more wattage for our BTA than the current 4 watts per gallon of HO T5 lighting we currently run.
Thanks in andvance for any reviews on the above two lighting systems. My husband and I are DYI challanged so we want to buy a unit that is already put together.

 

[thegrog]

I agree that going with MH will do your BTA more good.
As far as which fixture, I have heard more positive things about the Orbit than the Aqualight. Not having owned either, I am going off of what I have read on a few hundred posts on several boards so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
The Orbit will tend to run cooler as it has better airflow characteristics and better fans. the bulbs they put in are slightly better stock than the Aqualights. Less heat = longer bulb life.
When it comes down to it, they are both quality fixtures, just that I have heard better things about the Orbit than the Aqualight.
Not much help, but some.

 

[kingspade]

i have heard better things about the aqualight which is why i bought one. as far as heat goes i dont see how the orbit is going to run cooler with internal ballasts?? the aqualight pro has 3 external ballast which in turn will run cooler and there will be less weight sitting on your tank. heres a pic of mine

 

[nanahugs]

Thanks for your responses to my post. I have looked at some other threads before posting, but did not find the answers I have been looking for. Kingspade, thanks for the info on Ballasts. The T5 unit I currently have has an internal ballast and integrated fans ,so I have no problems with my tank getting hot. I was hoping to find a MH unit that was the same. The catalog that sells both these brands of lights say that the Aqualight pro is a customer favorite. The Outer Orbit one is on sale, and the total wattage is more, although both units only have one 150W MH bulb in them.
I like my current lighting set-up, but with more wattage, I could keep more corals and my BTA would probably love more than the 4 watts per gallon he is currently getting.
Thanks again for the opinions, it gives me more to think about. I also want a unit with sturdy legs and I think I will be taking off my glass canopy when I get my new unit since I have no jumpers.

 

[techrider6]

I have the 72" outer orbit and i like it.I also heard more good about the outer orbit that is why i bought one.the real test will be in the summer.

techrider62