Any suggestions on lighting for a 55?

[FishAddict87]

I have currently just got into corals in my tank and I am planning on keeping mostly softies and some LPS. I have a few corals currently and they seem happy. I have T8's running right now that are 9500K 15W. I have been doing alot of research on lighting because I want something brighter and something that will help the colors pop and help coral growth as well. I really want LEDs but I cant find anything that is reasonably priced. I dont wanna spend more than $400 on a fixture for my tank and alot of LEDs requre you to buy two fixtures. I want one 48" fixture for around the $400 limit. I am considering T5s but I dont want anything that is going to make the electric bill sky rocket. I hope you guys can help with some suggestions. I was looking into DIY leds but they are expensive as well. I kind of want a plug in and enjoy type of thing. Thanks in advance

 

[FishAddict87]

bump?

 

[Rustafar]

A 48" 4 bulb T5 fixture will do you.

 

[Michigan Mike]

4x54w T5HO or 2x150w halides.
This is my suggestions.
The halides would be awesome if used with a couple T5 (blue & purple) or VHO (actinic).

I suggest a good T5HO fixture like ATI or at least a TEK fixture, you can find them used, also used halides are super cheap to buy used.

 

[FishAddict87]

Wouldnt halides cause too much heat? and which would be more energy efficient? Halides or T8s? I might just go with a 4 bulb T8 fixture and add a stunner strip or two for the shimmer that leds give. Thanks much for the help