lighting 101 - Help!

[widdledink]

I am looking at buying Custom SeaLife's Smartlite for my 75G. I am a bit nervious on buying it because I can't find anyone who has used the fixture. My LFS says that it is a great light but then it is the most expensive one they have on their shelf and I have been over sold before by this LFS.

I was originaly looking at Coral Life's 48" duel 10,000K/Antic unit, I have seen this unit in action and was impressed, but the guy at my LFS said that the CSL unit was much better. "Literaly a day vs. night difference" to quote him. I have been to the CSL website and read through all of it and still haven't been convinced. I am sceptical of the promisess that are being made about the fix.

So, I am looking for any info of any kind from anyone before I buy the light. I don't want to be over sold on something more than I need or realy want. (I am wanting to start some easy corals like softies and the likes but my current lights aren't good enough). This seems to be a great fixture but again I haven't seen it in use so I am a bit blind.

Tanks for any info in advance.

Widdle

 

[plantman1028]

lighting question

If you are going with some softies or stony corals i would look into a MH -CF combo.The MH is a bit more expensive, but they tend to last a bit longer.I have a custom MH-CF on my 125 and let me tell you,what a difference.It is also good cause you can customize the light for what you need it to be,10k-20k-50/50-actinicblue 03.Research your livestock and find out what siuts what you want best.