Which would you choose....

[ReefNooB]

Ok im at a point where i am goin to begin start purchasing lighting for my tank. I plan on having some corals probably not any stoney corals. I originally planned on metal halides and vho actinics, but i decided not to because of the heat issues. So i am torn between VHO and PC both are within my price range but i cant decide. I have a plan for each if i were to go with PC i was going to get 2 hellolights ballasts that can push 2x96w (384w total) bulbs each and all the gear to install them for around $250. The VHO set up would be a 4x110 (440w total) icecap ballast 2x10k and 2xactinic bulbs for around $170.

-Which puts out more lights?
-What would be the limits as far a corals?
-I heard that with PCs algae can be bad, but wouldnt the cleaners take care of this? so it might actually be a good thing.... for the cleaners

What are some other pros and cons of each.

Thanx a ton

 

[c0mf0rt]

Either will be plenty of light for your tank... you can keep, softies, leathers, LPS, and some SPS with that.... maybe even an anemone..... I've got a 55gal with 4x65w and keep all of those except the anemone.... I would go with the setup with actinics though because it really helps the color of the tank......