 Re: Lighting setup 55 gal saltwater "Reef tan
Cheapest and Best are almost diametric opposites when you talk about lighting! It depends what critters you plan on keeping.
Acro Corals, Anemones, or Clams - then metal halide is your best bet.
If not, you could do VHO, T-5, PC....or a combination.
Whether to hang or not and to cover or not, is personal preference.
If you got skill  , sure you could build your own. I am not sure if you can get all the ballasts and such at home depot, but an electrical supplier should have the stuff  _________  I Love My Sig By John Hawkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date Started 9/04 58 gallon Oceanic Tank, 20 gal DIY sump/fuge w/ Kent Marine Auto top-off, Air Water Ice RO/DI, 10,000 K 175 W MH, 2 VHO 03's 96W each, AquaC EV 120 Skimmer
80 lbs LR, DSB in FUGE, 1 - 2 " LS in tank
Black Brittle Star, Chevron Tang, Crocea Clam, red & green Lobophyllia, Frogspawn, Porites Frag, Caulastrea Frag, Green Ricordia, Asst. Zoas, hermits, astreas, stomatellas, fighting conch | 
