Thanks for your input everyone. However, every forum that I have gone to usually does this same thing. I will ask a specific question and get no answer to that question.
1. I know that I need to keep my glass clean
2. I know that I need to change my bulbs after a period of time
3. I know that most people like to advocate MH lighting
Now, knowing the thing that I know, I have been running these lights with these glass tops since I got this aquarium almost a year now. There has never been any water spot on the glass tops as the heat from the lights and the temperature of the water prevents that. The only time that there can be condensation is when the room temperature is cold enough. I control that. Salt creep is not a problem either on my glass tops as that happens due to condensation and evaporation as well. Also, I clean my tank once a month anyway.
With that said, does anyone know the answer to my question? I plan on keeping some corals (mushrooms, polyps, etc). However, the reason that I am asking about the lighting specifically is that I plan on placing a plate coral on my sandbed. Will 288 watts be enough to reach it on the bottom of the tank and support the plate coral?
ps....I don't want to come off as being a smart butt or anything like that, but I would really like an answer to the question if anyone know. thanks.