what type of lights to get

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by corper

T5

why not say VHO then thats all T5 is, it is a new version of the VHO that takes up less space and is more efficient. so by saying T5 with out knowing the depth of his tank or what he plans to keep you could have contributed to a bad purchase that will have to be upgraded later depending on the circumstances.

what I am going to recommend is take a look at what you want in the long run, how deep your tank will be, what kinda corals, etc. if you have a shorter tank, 18" or less, you could get away with VHO, PC or T5 with good success. as to which one VHO, PC or T5 see what is available and more reasonably priced the out put of these three bulbs is comparable.

If you decide to go more with anemone, Clams, and SPS now you are getting into MH country. the VHO, PC, and T5 will work but you will have to have everything real high up close to the light and it doesn't leave much room for creativity.

for MH options you have basically 3, 250 watt MH, 250 watt HQI and 400 watt. under 24" tall tank normal 250 watt MH will work but if you want to go serious with light you can step up to the 400 watt MH or the 250 watt HQI. I use the 250 watt HQI with mogal bulbs in my tank, softies still grow, SPS love it etc.. so don't let anyone tell you that it is to much light. I have mushrooms growing 12" under the bulb like mad, everything likes light... it just needs time to get used to it.

Steve