I am trying to decide on lighting for my 50 breeder. I plan on having a mixed reef and definitely plan to have many sps in the top half and zoas on the sand.
I am thinking I have 3 options:
LEDS: I like the idea of LED's but I am not totally convinced yet and the cost to start up is crazy high. I have been looking at the AI units but for 550 bucks a pop it would cost about 1200 to start up because I think I would need at least 2 units (even though they rec 3). Are there other LED options that are better and/or cheaper?
T5's: I currently have retro's for 4x39w t5's. I miss the shimmer I used to get from halides but I like the color options of the bulbs. I know I would need to add at least 2 more bulbs to them to be enough light.
MH: I could do 2x150 and supplement with the t5's or get 2x250w and run radiums. I would need to buy either halide option. Do you guys think the 150s with t5's would be enough? If so what bulbs?
I'd like to hear your opinions as I have been having problems deciding what to do. Lighting is always a dilemma for me, the balance is hard to get right!
I am thinking I have 3 options:
LEDS: I like the idea of LED's but I am not totally convinced yet and the cost to start up is crazy high. I have been looking at the AI units but for 550 bucks a pop it would cost about 1200 to start up because I think I would need at least 2 units (even though they rec 3). Are there other LED options that are better and/or cheaper?
T5's: I currently have retro's for 4x39w t5's. I miss the shimmer I used to get from halides but I like the color options of the bulbs. I know I would need to add at least 2 more bulbs to them to be enough light.
MH: I could do 2x150 and supplement with the t5's or get 2x250w and run radiums. I would need to buy either halide option. Do you guys think the 150s with t5's would be enough? If so what bulbs?
I'd like to hear your opinions as I have been having problems deciding what to do. Lighting is always a dilemma for me, the balance is hard to get right!