your opinoins please

The only place I would put a T5 is over my refugium. I would never put it over a display tank as main lighting, but that is my own opinion. In deep water they restrict what you can grow safely.

 

metal halides will keep your options open for corals

 

would i be able to get anything?? including a BTA ........ woohoo that settles it then! thanks for the advice guys!

 

match the mh to the tanks height and coral par needs. how big and what are the dimensions of your tank?

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Lateral Lines: Classification and Terminology For Reef Aquarium Lighting

 

oh that link is far to scientific for me

my dimensions are

61 x 41 x 58 cm (LxDxH)

 

my lfs is recommending i get the t5's instead of the halides - oh i am confused

 

I want to say that this is easier than what your making it, dont drown in a glass of water. If you want your options open, as in corals, get the MH. Of course, if your budget allows. Maybe your LFS doesnt have any MH in stock and does have the T-5's and wants to make the sale.

 

in inches thats 24 L x 16 W x 23 H which is 38 gallons

if you DIY you can grow anything with these lights:

1-250w mh and 2-24w t5 blue

which is the best of both worlds

 

Agreed. Id opt for the halides. Look nicer (Shimmer lines ) and more coral options. T5's are nice for actinic. Use both to get both