I'm thinking about upgrading my lights and have my eyes currently set on these: http://www.aquadirect.com/store/product.php?productid=813&cat=371&page=1

For those of you that have owned these hoods before, do you hang them over your tank a few inches higher than the tank or sit them directly on the tank?

I've seen them hung above the tank most of the time, but I do recall someone sitting theres directly on the tank.

You should take a look at the Sunlight Supply Maristar fixture. IMO it's a better quality fixture and it looks much better than the Hamilton fixtures.

Why are you going with Hamiton and not Outer Orbit w/t5?

BTW I talk to Keven and he will match that price for you

The Outer Orbit fixture only has 150's.

I spoke to Current and they said they are coming out with a 250w version of the Outer Orbit in November... but I think if I wait until then, then the LED version will be soon to follow. I'd like a now solution. =)

The Maristar looks like it has better reflectors... hamilton has vho. Decisions, decisions.

i have a hamilton fixture 36" with one 175mh and two vho's,and i love it.the fans on each end keep it cool and adds no heat whatsoever into my tank.i have mine hanging around 8" off my tank.just so i dont have to mess with it to clean.

Are the ballasts remote? Is the fixture itself pretty light?

The Maristar looks like it has better reflectors... hamilton has vho. Decisions, decisions.

I have the Maristar w/250 HQI and T5 Actinics. I got it with the M80 magnetic Blueline ballasts. I love it.