75 gallon reef lighting

[bnr911]

I am new to this hobby and starting my first saltwater reef tank. Currently I have a 75 gallon tank. I am being very patient and getting all the supplies that I need before even attempting to start everything. I have been researching like crazy and what I still can't seem to decide on is lighting. I am going to stick to LPS and soft corals. This is what I am looking at right now. My LFS has a used unit (not sure of the brand)that is 48" long that has 4 PC and 2 MH. The other option I was looking at was AquaticLife T5 HO 4-Lamp Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LEDs. I guess my question is, if faced with the choice what would be the best option?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Qube]

The metal halide fixture would be a better fit for a 75 IMO. 2 150+watt halides with PCs for actinic supplementation should be fine.

Having started out with a 4 bulb t-5 fixture on my 75, albeit a cheap one, I wouldn't recommend it. I would look for a 6 bulb fixture to take care of The needs you are looking for.

 

[bnr911]

Thanks for your opinion. I was thinking the MH fixture myself, just really couldn't decide. I'm getting it at a great price too, so that is a plus. I am new to all of this so I am just trying to get a feel for what is the best for long term use.

 

[Qube]

Great prices are always a win. Make sure to ask them how old the halide bulbs are since it is used. Either that, or just spring for new ones to be safe.

 

[carey]

I would think twice about the mh lighting, with the depth of that tank Iwould think a 250watt halide would be a better choice. I ran a single 150watt over a 20g tank and wasnt impressed.....

 

[bnr911]

I would think twice about the mh lighting, with the depth of that tank Iwould think a 250watt halide would be a better choice. I ran a single 150watt over a 20g tank and wasnt impressed.....

The lighting fixture would be 4 PC with 2 250W halides in the same unit. Any advice is helpful!