what lighting would you use?

[mike31154]

As I mentioned, take a drive to J&L in Burnaby & have a look around. Nothing like seeing a light in person rather than something ordered through the interweb. If you do plan to upgrade at some time, then yes, get a more powerful light, but if not, no sense going overkill with more light than you need. Seems to me the Marineland fits your bill, you can get either the 18-24 inch or the next size up. It comes with the mounting option you want & the newer models have integrated timers. Should be plenty of light for soft coral and possibly some easier lps/sps if they're mounted higher in the tank. Beats ordering something unseen & waiting for the mailperson to deliver.