I could use some lighting advice..

I ordered an AGA 120 RR from my LFS. Thank you all for the tips in picking out a tank. I'm now doing my homework for lighting while I wait for the tank. I have installed GFCI outlets in the room I will be houseing the tank, just to be safe.

I've never had a saltwater tank before, but from what I've gathered so far I think I would like some zoanthids and mushrooms along with some fish.

I would like some recommendations on lighting. I am leaning towards T5's over MH's, and some of the lights I've seen with the moonlights and timers look pretty nice. I did read that Sunlight Supply Tek and Aquacintics make quality lights, but I'm open for any suggestions as to brand and output.

 

If you have the $$$ go MH...and possibly actinic PCs/T5 to give more blueish color

Many people like TEK as you said (which I would go with). Just make sure (if you get T5) that each bulb has its own reflectors.

 

Since you're only going to do zoas & shrooms you'll be fine - you could even go with PC if you wanted to. Depending on the # of bulbs you get you'll even be able to keep other corals as well. MH would be an overkill for low light demanding specimens IMO. I echo what MDeth says about individual reflectors.

 

The problem is, I started the same way..."Oh yeah, just some fish and maybe mushies and zoos..." Now I want every acro i can find Id go with good lighting if you can afford it and not miss it...it gives you the option of not worrying about lighting. Anddd you can have a clam !

 

I vote t5. You could build you own retro kit. So you could do it in stages.

 

I have the t5ho with a singular reflector and it is amazing. My corals have grown so much, and the colours are so much more intense. I think you can get away with a singular reflector if you don't plan on having alot of sps and clams. A t5ho is ten time better than pc's and alot will argue that they are even better than vho's. MH is good for deep tanks, but they also heat up the tank and your electricity bill!

 

Do you think something like this would work? TEK LIGHT T-5, 48" Light Fixture 8 x 54W lamps by Sunlight Supply* - AquaCave
It looks like it would be a total of 432 Watts.

Or maybe this one :
Current USA Orbit Lighting (48" Kit 520 watts)
2x130W Dual Daylight + 2x130W Dual Actinic / 4 Lunar Light
Dimensions: 48.25" x 11.6" x 4.5", config J

I haven't read any comments on Current USA but Tek seems to get good writeups.

 

This price almost looks too good to be true.

48" 692W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504022