Ok so i am going to do a blastomussa species specific tank (with some decorative algae). I have heard people tell me to do LEDs, T5s, and/or PC. I have never really understood the lighting concept, but here is what i basically know. T5's = lots of bulb combos to make colors pop, LEDs are more spot light effect, PC seems more dim and less popping.

This tank is going to be a standard size 10G (i'll probably have a HOB refugium/skimmer.) I know blastomussas tend to like lower light, and lower flow.

Now for the question.

Which light type and fixture should i use for this tank?

I want to make the colors really pop (however, i HATE the 20k MH look where it is pure blue), yet obviously have decent growth [i realize that the blastomussas are wicked slow growers, but i want them to be healthy!!! they aren't cheap.]

obviously a reasonable price is desired, i will most likely see if i can get a used fixture of that type from my club, but if not i will buy new.

Thanks for your feedback!

Personally, I am going with LED's. I don't know anything about what you want to grow, but if you look around at the LED build threads here and elsewhere, it is hard to dispute the output, efficiency, reduced heat and extended "bulb" life. I think the spotlight effect you are mentioning varies on optics and fixture height, tank dimensions, etc, and is not a guaranteed side-effect.

I've owned PC and T5 so far, and the bulb change frequency and output just haven't made me happy. I never graduated to metal halides due to the increased heat and power consumption, so LED seemed like a natural choice for my 24g nano (build in progress).

led lighting is the way to go, The par readings are what makes it a much better choice then t5's and pc's. The light out put is a little bit lower, but the light penetration you get is ++++++ The spot lighting effect will happen based on spacing between leds. The type of optics you use and also the height above the tank. If you read the led guide there is a rule of thumb for led placement. Something like 2" between leds in lines and 3" between lines.

Honestly, I don't think LEDs are the best choice for LPS that prefer lower light.
LEDs are much stronger than most ppl realize.

Goonter, you said you don't like an overly blue 20k look.
What kind of a "look" do you prefer?

I think for your specific desires in the tank a 4 bulb t5 setup would work best. Everyone is correct with what has been said about LED lighting but for what your asking for LED technology is far overkill unless you dim them down alot and I dont even know if you can get them low enough output for what your asking.

You will also lose the pop factor in color combinations your wanting. (to the best of my knowledge I am sure if I am mistaken I will be corrected shortly)

well i haven't tried many colors, but i like the phoenix 14k MH bulb. I prefer a crisp white look, but i want to know how to make the corals pop without overloading on blue. I was thinking about a 4 bulb t5, but i don't know a good from a bad t5 fixture, i have been researching how they work and what not, but i have never used t5s and i know there are some cool color combos.

led's really do pop, a lot more then what i have seen from t5s imo. I haven't used many t5 lights but i'm sure when its set up properly it would be perfect for what you are asking. Color combination with leds can be a little bit tricky.