My lighting needs.

Ok, so in the slow process of building my small piece of the ocean, I have been doing allot of research, and reading, learning from other peoples mistakes, and my own, so I figure I come in here and ask a few questions about my next big investment.
I currently have a 90 Gal. 100 lb ls, 100 +/- LR a few fish, the rock is starting to die, I borrowed a pc light from a friend, the rock is not looking to good, and I am almost ready to purchase my light kit.
From what I have read MH is the way to go, but at a cost, heat and power consumption, I really don't want to get a chiller, or my electric bill to sky rocket.
I don't have enough knowledge to try and keep SPS or clams, I am going to keep it simple for now, I have other hobbies/Wife that take up allot of my time, I can test water every other day, top off, bi monthly water changes, but that's it.
So I have decided to go with t5's, but here is my problem/question.
I have a canopy, and it measure exactly 48" and most light systems are 48" so this means I cant use both, unless I go retro 36".
If I was to get rid of the canopy would I have to get the glass top's, will this effect the amount of light going in the tank, or no need.
And my second question is what is a good brand of light/kit T5's reasonable price, I like the tek kit 8 or 6 bulbs, I don't want to drop 700 dollars, and two months down the line kill myself for buying the wrong thing.
Thanks

 

You can get a t5 48" reto in the hood I have put a few together .. I have the sizes listed on our site .. a 54 w T5 is 46.5" long The Tek is the best out there .

 

Thank you Tangster for the quick reply, whats the url of your site?
and what do you think 8 or 6 bulbs?

 

I think Tangster has logged off for a few hours so I cut and paste the bulb length info that he had posted earlier this month:

New Wave® T5 - 22 2Ft-2 Lamp 960201 White 22.9”L x 7.1”W x 3”H
New Wave® T5 - 24 2Ft-4 Lamp 960203 White 23.3”L x 11”W x 3.5H
New Wave® T5 - 28 2Ft-2 Lamp 960204 White 21.3in L x 22.8in W x 3.5H
New Wave® T5 - 42 4Ft-2 Lamp 960195 White 47”L x 6”W x 3.5”H
New Wave® T5 - 44 4Ft-4 Lamp 960200 White 47”L x 11”W x 3.5”H
New Wave® T5 - 48 4Ft-8 Lamp 960202 White 47”L x 21”W x 3.5”H

Tek-Light™ T5-24 2Ft - 4Lamp 8,000 Lumens 960005 24in L x 12in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-34 3Ft - 4Lamp 13,200 Lumens 960015 36in L x 12in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-36 3Ft - 6Lamp 19,800 Lumens 960020 36in L x 15.75in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-42 4Ft - 2Lamp 10,000 Lumens 960095 48in L x 9in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-44 4Ft - 4Lamp 20,000 Lumens 960100 48in L x 12in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-46 4Ft - 6Lamp 30,000 Lumens 960105 48in L x 16in W x 2.5in H
Tek-Light™ T5-48 4Ft - 8Lamp 40,000 Lumens 906110 48in L x 20in W x 2.5in H

UV 75.25™ Professional Series Lamps
The first of its kind to offer 75%/25% combination of Actinic and Tri-band phosphors. Upgrade for all aquaculture and marine life. Best used for saltwater tanks with live coral.
75% Actinic 03 & 25% Tri-Band Phosphor
Adds vital Life Supporting Properties
460NM
Useful Life 4500 hrs.

UV 75.25™ Professional Series Lamps
UV 75.25™ 24in. 24watt 531245
UV 75.25™ 36in. 39watt 531250
UV 75.25™ 48in. 54watt 531255

UV Actinic White™ Professional Series
Actinic white is the first of its kind to offer a 50/50 combination on triband and actinic phosphors. 180° internal reflector allows 40% more light output. Actinic White is a high performance upgrade, great for coral, live rock, and related marine life.
50% Actinic 03 / 50% Tri-Band White Spectrum
Useful Life 4500 hrs

UV Actinic White™ Professional Series
UV Actinic White™ Prof. Series 24in 24 watt 531215
UV Actinic White™ Prof. Series 36in 39 watt 531220
UV Actinic White™ Prof. Series 48in 54 watt 531225

UV Super Actinic™ Professional Series
Super Actinic is the most widely used aquarium lamp on the market. 100% blue spectrum. 180° internal reflector allows 40% more light output. Great for reef applications and coral enhancement.
100% Blue Spectrum, Peaks at 420NM
Useful Life 4500 hr.

UV Super Actinic™ Professional Series
Super Actinic™ Prof. Series 24in. 24watt 531200
Super Actinic™ Prof. Series 36in. 39watt 531205
Super Actinic™ Prof. Series 48in. 54watt 531210

 

Thanks for the info, so from this info, i can only use the new wave kit.

 

tangster im curious do you have a store in the richmond area or is it in CT. also if i buy something from you does it come from you near me or a warehouse somewhere else.

 

I, as well as any other site sponsors, will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding what we offer for sale in our sponsor forums