90 gallon mixed reef

Ok, I am back inthe hobby from many years ago and from my research, I have learned many things have changed. I am wanting to set up a standard 90 Gallon mixed reef 48L, 18W, 24D. My biggest confusion so far is lighting. I have read so much I am spinning in circles. I have thought about the T5 6X54 setup but not sure what bulbs to use and whether this will be good enough for a 24' deep tank. I am also wondering about Metal Halide. Any suggestions?

 

Both should work great. MH will get hot though. All depends on what coral you want to keep.

 

You might be interested in these new lights that came out they are leds and are super cheap especially when it comes to the electricity bill. I don't think I'm going to use them until I get a tank upgrade for myself however.

TMC: Aquarium Products - AquaRay Solid State Aquarium Lighting

 

They seem a bit pricey at first look but they will pay for themselves quickly in lower electric bills, less cooling needed due to less heat generated by the bulbs etc...
The LED's have gotten much stronger in the last year allowing them to be used for more than just show.

here is one of our sponsors lights that i'm looking at to eventually replace my MH's
http://www.3reef.com/forums/clams-demand/new-l-e-d-units-5-8watt-bulbs-89397.html

 

You really can't go wrong. Each has it's advantages. Halides do not equal chillers. I have 2x250w MH over my 90g and a fan is all I need. No AC, house is open in Summer...85-90F, and a $10 Walmart fan. Personally, I like the look of MH with shimmer and just the spot light source I think looks better.

T5s are good too. Less power, you can get LEDs for shimmer. Lots of bulb replacing. T5s can grow anything.

LEDs are the future, but right now there is very little hard data and established tanks running them. Really tough decision if you are in the markets for lights right now. I have the luxury of waiting a couple of years for LEDS to get it together.

 

I myself have T5s and am very happy with them.... but then again, your choice. Check those links, great info.
Best of luck to you!

 

Hey Jared, where are the prices for the aqua ray?

 

ok, so I found someone selling two 150W MH's for $200 or less. Would this work to keep lps corals and softy corals? Deal or not?

 

So which lighting would require a uv sterilizer the MH's or the T5's?