Thanks Chase. I will look in to it. Ya I would want coral through out the system
So I would need 2 36'' t5 setups. or 1 72'' what would be less cost in your opinion. and how many bulbs would one go with.

well im no expert, well actually you probably know more then me as my tank barely has rock in it but here i go again

okay so $660 for Sunlight Supply 36" Tek Light T5 Fixture - 6-Bulb, 6 x 39W
Two of those
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/sl...,+6+x+39W.html

you could get a MH+ t5 for like 2 grand

thats really all i could find
the two have six bulbs so that would probably be the cheaper option, you could always look for some used ones

cool thanks chase.

i tryed, might want to look into someone who knows what there talking about :P:P:P

not a problem...this is how we all learn..hope to get some more ideas from you people. let me have some.:mrgreen:

You could always get one 5ft fixture... if you center it, you wouldn't really notice that the 6 inches on the sides are not under direct light. This would cut down on the bulb replacement too as the longest bulbs available are 5ft long, so you would only need half as many to cover the same length.

That's $660 for two 36" fixtures not including bulbs. So figure out how much 12 39W T5s will run you. Sunlight Supply also has a 72" Maristar fixture, 3 X 250W MH & 4 X 39W T5 for $960...oh yeah, all bulbs and MH ballasts sold seperately. Lighting is probably the most expensive thing you'll buy so bite the bullet and get something good. What the hell, go for the Geisemann, it's only $4000+.

ya thats a little to rich for my blood. come on I'm only a funeral director.:cry: I am not going to go with MH im am going t5s so I can keep cost down and heat.

You'll want to consider what corals you want to put in if you're looking at 39W T5 bulbs. Mind you, if you're looking at a shallower tank it might be ok. Covering that length of a tank you might be better off with some MH pendants. I have an 8 x 59W bulb Tek light over my 120g (24" deep) and it throws a lot of heat. My temperature swings 4 degrees between lights off and lights on, though I do have a canopy over the tank. Cost of replacement bulbs is also a consideration, it costs me a little over $200 to change out my bulbs, which needs to be done at least once per year. Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't switch my T5s for a MH on my tank, but they're a more attractive option for longer tanks.

I would not go 39 watt, I would go with 54ho t5, and it will be a mixed sps lps.
So I think it should work I have seen others with great success. And nice coral growth. Thanks though. not sure how shallow I will be going. still trying to decide.