I need lighting advice

I will soon be looking into buying some lighting for my tank and I'm new to setting up saltwater. My tank is 55g and it's 24inches deep. I'm keeping fish but would also like to keep some coral once everthing is all set. I'm thinking of buying the Coralife Lunar T5's. Will this be a good choice? or is can you suggest another lighting option for that price point or lower?

 

how much are you looking to spend?

What do you think about LED's?

 

+1 on that go LEDS, just ordered these Reef Breeder's Dimmable 120 watt RGB Aquarium LED Fixtures | eBay for my 55 gallon.

This is what I am currently running AQUARIUM METAL HALIDE LIGHT 24'' 36'' 48'' 60'' 72'' 250 WATT LIGHTING MARINE | eBay I have seen really good coral growth but, man does it put out some heat and the bulb's are $50 a piece! I can't afford it anymore. I recomment LED's and there are so many out there you really can take your pick. Do a serch on here, there is a wealth of information for every budget.

 

The high end of what I'm looking to spend is around the $250 area

 

I like the LEDs but find most of them expensive. I was looking at the marineland reef capable LEDs

 

I would go LEDs then. On eBay you can find the 120w Chinese ver. of the Taotronics light that are dimmable for half what you’re looking to spend. Many of the reefers here, has that same light and reported good growth with it.

to give you an idea of what i am talking about
Aquarium Coral Reef Tank LED Grow Light 120W Blue+White | eBay

 

check this out, lots of good informations

LED Aquarium Lighting - 3reef Forums

 

So I guess I have alot of reasearch to do.

 

First.i.wouldnt go with the marineland leds. They are first generation units and should only be used as accent. My lfs did a test with.the reef capable.and.they were not very good. AquaticLife has a newer unit that is comparitively priced ( still up there though) and the lfs has.them.over.a.300g reef right now and they are doing.the.job. Dont know.about growth.wise.yet but so far everything is healthy. Because of the cost im trying to wait till price.comes.down ( notice i said trying) but i cant wait run my whole tank with leds. Right now.i use 2 Aquasun Spot led lamps but my main source is 4 ho t5. You should be able to get a double lamp unit and switch out the stock bulbs with ATI (blue plus and aquablue special) for 250. This will get you up and running and.able to keep. Softies and lps.

 

+1 dont get marineland leds

I'd get the 120W Chinese dimmable fixture that everyone else has on here, lol

msg member anemone and see what he has for ya