need light recommendations

im going to buy some lights in the next day or 2 and i was wondering if any of you could tell me what i should get. i dont want to spend over 300. and i plan on keeping zoa and maybe a nem at some point and id like sps at some point as well. my tank is in my sig. what do u think

 

I would go with a 4 bulb T5HO fixture for your tank. You will be able to keep whatever animal you like as long as you get a fixture with individual or formed reflectors and use top of the line bulbs. Go to ReefGeeks.com to get an idea.

 

well your tank is 36'' and finding a fixture that length is easy. id say use a 6 bulb tex light. I have one on my 120 extra high and i have a clam in the sand bed. Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures

 

or a 4 bulb works to, just less watts and less you can arrange your bulbs. But yet again there is more cost in having 6 bulbs than 4 when it comes to replace them.

 

how often do u replace the t5s? every year? 6 months? and what do they run?

 

9 months to a year. Around $20 a piece.

 

Current USA Sundial T5HO Light Fixture Aquarium Light Fixtures

thoughts on this fixture?

 

i go a year on my birthday so i always remember

 

That would be a decent enough fixture. You will want to change out the bulbs in 6 months as they are not the best quality.

 

after the intial 6 month change if i go with good bulbs i can go to a year or so?