help a newbie with lighting questions

[Joe_fro]

I am very new to reefing, in fact all I have now is a 32 Gal. cube tank and a stand I built. I have everything planned out for the most part, I have a sump as well as a skimmer in mind. What I am looking for in particular is some ideas on lighting. I plan on including live rock, sand, and of course to go along with the lighting some soft corals. I was just wondering if someone could give me a brief on the diff. between Metal Halide and Power Compacts or flourescents. Perhaps just give me a link I can go to and read for myself. I have checked out hellolights.com and see differences but I am just not sure what I need and what the difference is. I would ultimately benefit from knowledge on all options but please keep price in mind, I am a college student and I am twenty years old. All options and advice is greatly appreciated.

Joe fro
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http://www.geocities.com/for_joes/

 

[MarkO1]

If it's long enough (36"), I think you'd be fine with a pair of 96w pc's, otherwise a single 175W MH would be fine for a deeper, say cubical type tank.
More important (IMO) is the reflecotrs, light period and placement of corals.
It sounds like you've been doing your homework.
Good luck!
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[reefworm]

I concur w/MarkO. Especially for softies you should be fine. Placement is key, however. The higher the better, esp. in a deep tank like your cube. Keep up the reading and research. You're certainly going about things the right way.

regards,
-rw