Setting up a new reef

Hi all, this will be my second reef tank. Not much going on.

50gal tank
Sea Clone 100 Skimmer
Two proos wave makers
Looking for a good inexpensive hood with lighting. I was thinking coral life compact florescent bulbs
I intend on putting alot of life into this tank. Not much fish but surely alot of corals and inverts.

This tank is going in my office/study area just to help me keep my sanity when it's time for finals this semester;D

 

Not with PCs, you won't (corals). Sorry but with the age of Metal Halides vs T5s, PCs are pretty much obsolete at this point. Unless all you want are softies and mushrooms.

I hear you there. If I had the cash, I would start a nano at my desk in my office

 

if you want corals then metal halides or t5's are going to be needed like brandon stated

 

Cool... Thanks. I was a bit worried about that. I didn't quite know the difference between the different types of lighting. I know that the metal halides are THE BEST but let's face it with a slightly above minimum wage salary, along with an expensive girlfriend, a new car,and a liking for partying and playing pool "limin", It's hard to do all these things all at once... I'll try my best to get the MH lighting... Not to sure if that's a dream or a possibility...
I love this hobby of mine with a huge passion. I would have to say that one of my lifetime goals is to have an enormous, full blown reef for myself, my pleasure and enjoyment. One Day...

 

Hey, nothing wrong with "softies and mushrooms" ---

PC's are great lights if you use what they are intended for.

 

What's the word on the T6's? LFS seems to have replaced every T5 in stock with them.

 

I would like to know a bit more of the facts too on this question, I do know that the light output (lumens) on T5s CONSIDERABLY less that that of the T6, but the color temp is close to the same...

 

really wow it's what I have I love em!