What is the right lighting for...

[i_am_blokeman]

Hi All!

I have a new tank neally ready to be purchased which will be used to create a reef. A pic can be found in my photo gallery to see clearly what the desighn is. It is a corner unit where I have to sit the lighting unit on top of the glass under a hood. the dimensions are in inches 36" Wide x 36" Long x 24" deep from top of tank to bottom. I have been told to use MH but they are very expensive to buy and run. The other suggestion is to use what is called a T5 light unit. I thought using a normal fluro unit with the right combination of lights would surfice. I am really confused on which way to go and would appreciate any sound advice given. Also I would need to know what type of tubes are needed for corals?

Kindest Regards
Kim

Please see the pic in my gallery

 

[Velcroflyer]

I run 8x54w T5's on my 220g (72X24X30). They are great and put out less heat then MH's. If you get the right combo of bulbs/ballasts/reflectors they can be as good as MH.

 

[DKreefkeepers]

If you wanted halides I would go with 2 x 150 or 2 x 175

 

[Chckrbrd Wrasse]

I actually had a tank similar to that a while back I used one coral life pendant light 175 watt with pretty good results.
They have a Lighting Overview at this web site which may help you a bit better.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?acatid=287&aid=414