48" lighting for my new set up

[intarsiabox]

T5HO fixtures can grow most anything with proper placement, don't put off a lot of heat, don't use a ton of power, can change bulb colors to a get a pleasing effect but don't provide any shimmer effect. Bulbs also must be changed regularily. Fairly inexpensive these days.

Metal halides use more power, put off lots of heat but will provide the shimmer effect and can be purchased very cheaply these days.

LED's use less power, have the shimmer effect, can be dimmed and colors changed to your desired effect and you shouldn't need to replace any bulbs anytime soon. They are more expensive but a good quality unit is night and day over cheap chinese ebay fixtures. You can also check out Modular LED for a do it yourself system. Everything is plug and play and you can design it to your exact specs.

Everyone starts off thinking just a simple fish only tank will be all they need but then get bitten by the coral bug. It saves money in the long run to get a good quality light at the start that can grow with your system rather than having to replace it.