Tank Lighting

[itsamanda]

My 55 gal fish-only tank is just surpassing its 6 month mark. I've got plenty of live rock, Crushed coral (would like to eventually switch to live sand), 4 clowns, a 6line wrasse, starfish, hermits, and snails. It's a very healthy tank so far, but I'm looking to make it more colorful, so I want to upgrade the stock lighting that came with the tank (the usual black hood found in fishstores for freshwater). I've heard a few people tell me something about t5's. I'm so new to the hobby, I have no idea where to start when it comes to lighting. I know I dont need anything too expensive or special, because I'm still a struggling college student So I'll stick with the corals/mushrooms that like the low light environments.
What are the nice/low price options where I can upgrade my lighting to get a prettier look in my tank that will allow for a little wider range of choices for coral?
Thanks for the Help!

[xquisit]

Great question, in one year, I'd like to do the same thing (if I can make it through all the reading, just kidding!)!

[SKurj]

You could start with a T5 2 bulb 48" fixture, that may work well for most low light corals. If you want to get into more light sensitive corals you would be looking at a 4 tube fixture minimum.

They start around $140 online

Once you have a T5 you have lots of bulb choices which can change the way the colours in your tank are presented.

[SKurj]

That fixture I priced above is also one which you can add to. So later on you would just get another the same link them together and you now have 4 lamps.

Look up the Aquaticlife fixtures.

[itsamanda]

Thank you! Just to make sure Ive got it, the fixture t5 is like the actual head unit-hardware that holds the bulbs?

[SKurj]

Yep the fixture holds the bulbs and controls everything. Usually they come with a set of bulbs that may get you by at first as well. (not always though so be sure to confirm!)