Lighting choice help!!!

[murphdog]

I just need to know what the difference is between

Led lights

T-5's

Moonlights

Which ones save energy and how often they need replaced and what i need to have a beautiful tank, and also how expensive (average price) but I probably don't want to grow corals, at least right now so you don't need to take that into consideration. I'm open to all opinions!

[MTF7]

What size tank do you have?
And the moonlights are exactly what they are named ( lights that simulate the moon when all other lights are turned off),and can be run 24/7, when your main lights go off until they turn back on, or what some people do is 30min before lights turn on and 30 mins after lights turn off ( generally moonlights are led's)

[Strobes]

kind of a broad question. i beleive leds are the most efficient. since your not looking to grow corals you can go with whatever light you think looks best. leds range for cheap 100$ fixtures to radions pros which are almost 800. t5s will be less expensive generally. i run two 27"mazspect razor 160watt 16000k led fixtures above my 210 fowler. they look great and have a nice sunrise sunset program that you can change to whatever schedule you want. i believe theyre about 500 each

[nlgill13]

Hope this helps

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=228

[Reefmedic79]

If you don't intend on doing corals, then standard aquarium fluorescents are all that is needed.

Knowing the size of the tank you plan on lighting can help give a better idea of the initial cost.

T-5's are high output (HO) fluorescents, cost about $20-40 per bulb depending on size and brand, and need to be replaced every 9-12 months. Fixtures costs are dependent on the size of the tank.

LED's are much more expensive up front compared to similar sized fixtures, but are much more energy efficient and have lifespans of over 500,000 hours.