New To Reef Setup Need Help Picking Out Light

[Joeballz]

Hey i just setup my first salt water setup. Im looking to do a reef tank. What type of lighting will i need? Ive been told to do either a T-5 or Halide. Please recommend me some specific models if you know any thanks.

 

[Anguilla82]

it comes down to what you want to keep really mate.
If its just fish then any light is fine.
Softies - T5, LED
LPS - T5, LED, Halide
SPS - lots of T5, LED, Halide.

Initial and running costs also come into the equation.
T5 cheap to buy medium to run.
Halide expensive to buy, expensive to run.
LED really expensive to buy, cheap to run.

There is no hard and fast rule. Look at what you want to keep long term, then look at your budget. If you let us know these we'll be able to advise on makes/models better.

EDIT - just looked at your tank, and IMO i'd go with T5s. The tank doesn't look very deep so you won't require the penetration of the halide.
I would guess at 2x or 4x 36w T5 to begin with.
You can get Arcadia luminaires with 4x 36w (or 24w) T5s in that might be worth a look.