Lighting difference and limitation question

[almo75]

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to point out something with my lights I did not expect. I have a 29 gallon tank that started out simply as a QT, but I really liked the size so decided to just go with it. For lighting a QT tank I put on a Nova fish only T5 fixture. 30in. fixture housing 2 24" 24 watt bulbs. 10K and actinic as you'd guess. Since I decided to set it up as an eventual reef I added a clamp on 150W MH @ 14K. To my surprise the T5 fixture is brighter to my eyes. I really expected the MH to be much brighter as it 3x more powerful. I am using both and together I really like the look. The T5 is pulled forward and the MH is behind it.
So knowing my lighting what would you guys say are my limits for keeping corals and other light dependent critters? Also, if I decided to double the clamp ons, in the future, do you think that would be enough to have the freedom to keep anything I want?
Thanks for your opinions,
Al

 

[HaKs310]

You pretty much have the freedom to keep anything you want right now. I used to run a 250w Metal Halide on an electronic ballast on my 29g, 14K hamilton bulb. I would run 2 Actinics in the Nove fixture though, just for looks.

 

[almo75]

I was hoping that was the case, but felt better getting reassurance. Thanks!

 

[Amphiprion]

You can technically "keep" what you want. As far as coral coloration goes, that will just depend on a number of factors.

 

[almo75]

Amp....it'll probably be quite some time before I mess with corals. I still have to square away a DIY sump/fuge project. I know there is a lot of reading ahead of me in regards to coral. Any particular warnings you had in mind?