4G13vN, I would look hard at T5 lights. I spent days on this subject and have no regrets on my findings. The more time that passes, the more T5's were the perfect choice for my first reef. I don't have AC in my house, though I'd only use it 3 months out the year heat reduction was my #1 goal. Last thing I wanted to buy was a chiller on top of an expensive MH set up. On a tip, I called Aquatinics and they set me up with a fan cooled enclosure that fit in my hood for about $400. It is five 54watt bulbs (two actinic, three 11000). If I were you, I would either do a 4 , 6 , or 8 tube TEK retro using these Sunlight Supply T5 Retrofit System & Kit - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
4 bulbs would work really well but 6 would rock. From what I hear you can grow just about anything with those especially at only 17-19" deep. I just found this fan cooled, 4x54 Nova Extreme with bulbs and lunar moonlights for $199 48" Nova Extreme 4x54W T5 HO w/4 Lunar (Current)
Not quite the same quality as TEK but pretty good and one sweet deal IMO. You would have to loose the canopy I think but it 'd be worth it.
Good luck.
Jim
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80g Bowfront, DIY 30g sump/fuge, Urchin Pro skimmer, 100 lbs LR, 200 lbs. LS, 48"AquatinicsT5X5
1 clarkii, 1 percula, BTA, flower pot, zoa's, frogspawn, 10 scarlet herms, 10 blueleg herms, 10 nassarius, 20 turbo Astreus, 2 brittle starfish, 1 coral banded shrimp, 5 peppermints, 3 emerald crabs, 2 cleaner clams
Last edited by 1sleeper; 01-08-2007 at 06:54 PM.
Reason: deal time
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