Lighting for a 38 gal reef

[hope2havareef]

I'm getting things together for a 38 gal reef 36"L x 12"W x 19"L. I seem to be learning quite a bit from many forums. I like this forum best and decided to post questions here. I would like to start with either a pair of Maroon or black and white clowns with soft corals until I learn more through experience. I hope to evenually be able to keep a variety of soft and SPS and clams

I am leaning towards the plenum method with Aqua C Remora tank mounted skimmer. Like most all of the newbies, Lighting has created the greatest confusion. I have read that PC's will do the job to start but I don't want to spend $200 for a PC set up, only to have to go with MH down the road in a year or two. Can someone start me on the right foot with a MH suggestion. Please suggest wattage, spectrum etc.

[tendar]

I would definetly go with a halide if you plan on sps and clams down the road will save you money that way.
As towards a halide. I would go with a 25o watter no matter what you choose. I have ran both mogul and Double ended and love my double ended HQI set up I have now.
The DE HQI setups cost around $300 for a setup but I will never use anything else again. I am current using a AB Aqualine 10K bulb with out any supplemention and am very happy with the color a nice crisp white.
There is a new HQI setup coming out about now that looks interesting but only in 150 so far but when they do come out with the 250 I will consider these.
http://www.harboraquatics.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=NEW (http://www.harboraquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HA&Product_Code =ARAD0024&Product_Count=0&Category_Code=NEW)

[hope2havareef]

Gregg thanks for the reply. Are you saying I just need the white spectrum bulb, no blue?

I checked the new ARAD light- curious about cost.

Bob

[tendar]

Yeah I was curious also but not enough to call I guess. LOL
NO you odnt have to have a blue bulb if you dont want.
I dont run any extra actinic bulbs with my setup. I get a nice crisp white but some people prefer a bluer look and if you do then you can run a 20K bulb instead and still not run any extra bulbs for actinic blue look.

[hope2havareef]

Great!

Would something like this be a good selection to fit my needs?

http://www.aquariumlighting.net/systems....r=2&lamp=10 (http://www.aquariumlighting.net/systems.php?cat=1&step=4&ballast=2&reflector=2&lam p=10)

If so, will I need a fan. How high off the glass tank cover should this be mounted?

Also found this:
http://www.reefgeek.com./products/categories/lighting/104302.html

And this but it has the wrong bulb
http://www.specialty-lights.com/al250r.html#details

This looks very attractive but I think I will have to get some additional wiring
http://www.diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=83

Thanks,
Bob

[tendar]

The BLuewave reefoptix stuff are suppose to be pretty good items. Yes they will work well but you will need a tall canopy to mount the retro fit stuff in though. That is one reason I like the DE HQI setups since they run in pendants you hang so I dont have worry about a canopy and less heat issues.
The coralvue are new stuff and can not give a opionion on thier ballast but are cheaper.