150gl Reef Lighting Question

[jpope30]

I have a 150gl (72x18x28) aquarium. As of now it is filled and I have only added the salt. Once I put in my substrate and base rock I will be looking to replace the lighting.

The tank will house, when finished, Live Rock, Fish, Soft Corals, and SPS Corals.

I want to start with the lighting needed for all. I have read and read about all the different types and now all I am is confused....lol. I really would like to go for LED but the 72" for $3,800 is to much for my budget. I am leaning toward T-5 or MH with a second small LED MoonLight Strip(Get both for about $100).

I would love to hear and see pics from anyone who currently has a quality well established reef now. I have information overload from my own research and would love to hear success stories to help me choose.

I know this is a highly debated subject and am not looking for a deep debate but WHAT WORKS FOR YOU with a pic.

Thanks in advance for the help and comments.

Jeremy

 

[ccCapt]

With the depth (28") of that tank I would suggest 250w MH for best light penetration.
I use 3x175w MH on my 125.
I posted some pics here and in my signature you can see the build project for the tank with some earlier pics.

 

[jpope30]

I took a look and you have a great set up. What are your thoughts on the Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights and/or the HQI Metal Halid Compact FLuorescent with Lunar Lights. I am going to try to do an open top aquarium with hanging or low profile lighting fixtures. With the canopy what you have works great.

 

[Ziggy953]

I would avoid the CF if you can. Get a fixture that has a combination of T5 and MH. The CF bulbs don't last very long and they just don't produce the light that a T5 does.