Help me decide T5, MH or CF

[mustangbrew]

I am building a canopy for my 55gal fowlr tank and want to upgrade from the junk lighting that I have now. I can't decide whether to go with T5, CF or MH. I am kicking around the idea of going with some soft corals and an anemone in the future. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[chem-e]

T5s are good all around lighting. For a 55 gal, you can start with 4 bulbs or even 2 bulbs and add MH if needed. Just make sure you get HO T5 with good reflectors. If it was me, I'd do 4 T5 bulbs and then add a couple more if/when you start SPS.

The nice part about having a canopy is that you can change things out if they don't work well for you or you want to try something different.

[RyanMKintz]

IMO MH would be a little overkill for what you need also they get quite hot, look into T5 as I am happy with mine, also consider bulb price!!

[mustangbrew]

Yeah bulb price is one reason I want to ditch my old VHO lights.