Need Help with Upgrading Reef Lighting

[black cobra]

Ok right now I am running the Current Sunpod 2x150 Watt MH 48" Fixture for my open top 72G. I am not getting the lighting requierments I thought I needed with this setup. Its good for what it is but not for what I need.
I am looking to go to a 250 Watt HQI w/ the addition of some T5 Actinics.
I've been looking at the Outer Orbit, Hamilton Belize Sun, Aqua Life Pro, etc....
I have tried doing searches on all of them and what I've come up with is some people like them, some people still say its not enough and they want to even upgrade from that.
I do not want to upgrade again after this!! What can any of you recommend for me to check out? I want to have excellent Coral Growth and Color so I'll keep the bulbs at 10,000K of course.
Looking to keep it at $1000 or less to cover 48".
Thanks

 

[culp]

Originally Posted by BLACK COBRA
http:///forum/post/3011198
I am looking to go to a 250 Watt HQI w/ the addition of some T5 Actinics.
T5 Actinic are junk. if you want true Actinic use VHO T12.
you can buy the 4' PROTOSTAR 250 WATT 10,000K HQI & FLUORESCENT 110W VHO by Hamilton Technology for $840

 

[jackri]

I have the outer orbit 250w halides with t-5 actinics on my 90g and love the set up.... here are pics from it in this thread
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=347418
I kept a lot of sps frags on the bottom with no problems.

 

[black cobra]

Originally Posted by Culp
http:///forum/post/3011233
T5 Actinic are junk. if you want true Actinic use VHO T12.
you can buy the 4' PROTOSTAR 250 WATT 10,000K HQI & FLUORESCENT 110W VHO by Hamilton Technology for $840

Wow that is really nice!! Do you mount it from the ceiling?
Jackri, you changed your bulbs to the 14K from the 10K? It looks amazing with the more blue tint to it. How is the groth though? Notice anything?

 

[culp]

from what i know about it. you can just place it right on the tank. but I'm sure you could also hang it.

 

[pbnj]

+1 on the Outer Orbit 250W +T5s!