Hey guys,

Still in the planning phase of my new tank and just wanted to hear your opinions on my lighting options.

Its a 24"x18"x18" rimless and i've been looking at a 4x24W T5 fixture or A single 150W Halide + actinics. The tank will be hoodless so hopefully heat won't be too much of an issue. The swinger for me atm is price and making the corals really pop.

T5 Unit
Metal Halide Unit

The metal halide unit comes with 2 actinic bulbs which I assume are T8 as it doesn't state otherwise. I can see reasons to have both and i'm really torn!

Help me out

Not too keen on the MH fixture. The powe compact actinics are nice, but the tiny MH reflectors are a big turn off for me. The T5 fixture looks pretty good. Bulb selection in both cases really is going to be what will get your colors you want.

Thanks for the comments evil, much appreciated. I expected as much to be honest, as always 'you get what you pay for' seems to apply double in the marine world! I like the style of the T5 fixture a lot more as well.

I'd go T5 all the way

I would go with a tek

Located an ATI fixture supplier in the UK this afternoon and pretty much settled on it. Individual reflectors 'n all that. Shibby.

Great choice! You might check into the ATI sunpowers, which are a little less expensive than the powermodules.