what lighting should I get

[michika]

What you need for lighting depends exactly on what you are going to keep, hard corals, SPS & LPS, soft corals, or clams.

Your lighting options in general are Metal Halide, T5, Power Compacts, and LEDs. I think thats a complete list.

Metal Halide, or T5 can keep most anything. Power Compacts are more for low light requiring species, and I don't know enough about LEDs to comment.

Google some names and check out a few product reviews so at least when you've chosen your fixture, that you know what you are getting yourself into.

[fishytime]

You forgot solar Catherine (please dont body check me)

[michika]

Lol! I'll hold off...this time! Solar is supposed to be fantastic if you can do it.

[Red Coral Aquariums]

Here is some options for T5 lighting to look at. Also there is metal hallide lighting if you want to go there. T5 6 bulb is a good way to go with your 18 " tank height for growing just about anything. Here is a link to our t5's for sale.
http://www.sunlightsupply.com/produc...s%3D%26pgi%3D2

Thanks
Kevin

[Trigger Man]

I've been running the Tek T5's with SPS, LPS, anenomes, and more, and have found that they have produced great results for years for me. Cost is reasonable, and they don't let off to much heat which is a bonus. Bulb variety is excellent as well.

[kwirky]

I second the tek lights for your tank. It's not very long, front to back, thus making metal halide an inefficient choice. With HO T5's you'll also be able to fine tune your colour and brightness with bulb choice and location. Stay away from power compact. It may be cheaper to start up but the bulb replacement will bite you in the rear.

If you go with T5, make sure it's a system that has individual reflectors for each bulb.

[Melonbob]

Not trying to bash individual reflectors, because they are definately the best setup for t5 lights, however, an individual reflector unit like the nova extreme will also do nicely for a wide variety of corals. Go individual if you can afford it though