reef lighting for 100 gal tank

[ksr008]

I am starting my first reef tank and it is really intimating this lighting requirements. I will have a 100 gal. 60" x 18 x 24 and I don't want to be restricted to what I can grow. I know the metal halide are the best but I would like to use something that is more cost effective as far as running them. I don't mind the initial investment its just running them and the heat problem. Can't someone help. Like I said, I don't want to be restricted to what I can grow! Thanks

[brycerb]

Don't limit yourself to metal halides. T5's are just as good/better. Look it up.

[iap]

Are they just as good to a certain extent. Like say a 32" deep tank. I've been told for that depth I would need metal halides. Would some sort of t5 combo work?

[hoffy02]

depends on what you want to put at the bottom of that 32 inches... talk to grimreefer in Lighting and equip thread...Knows his stuff and he answers pretty fast also!

[hucklebucker]

go with 2 lumenarc 250 watt

[bertoni]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

I like MH and would use 2 250 W bulbs, but T5 HO can support the same range of animals if the tank has enough bulbs. The LumenArc fixtures get great reviews. I had LumenMax pends (similar) and they were very good, too.