Lighting question - T5, MH, Compact Flourescent...help!

[Grellk]

Hello all,

I am currently working on a 46gal bow tank with the stock junky single flourescent strip light on it.

I intend to add some corals in the near future and wanted some advice on what to use for lighting.

I know that the single strip light that I have will not be sufficient for this, so what advice can you give? There are so many lighting options out there now it is difficult for me to make an educated decision, it is overwhelming. What has worked for you all?

I am on a fairly tight budget so price will be a consideration as well. What options do I have?

Thanks!

[pufferpoison]

same boat as you, 46G and can't deside on lighting. i'll hitch a ride.

[shoddyk]

Go with T5's, I just got mine hooked up and I am loving them. I am also coming from 768watts of Power Compact's down to 480watts opf T5's and they are so much more powerful and brighter.

[Grellk]

ok, assuming that T5 is the way to go, what wattage should I be looking for?

What makes/models work best?
Can someone suggest a good place to buy them from?
What bulb configuration do I use? blue vs white, etc...

Any thoughts?