Lighting Help.

[petedes5]

So I am absolutely clueless on what kind of lighting I need to have reef/coral/inverts.

I have a 46 gallon bow from, so it's 36 inches long.

I found a hanging light for cheap but it sounds too good to be true ($119). the LFS said to have 3-5 watts per gallon, so that would be around 200 watts.

Here is the description of the product:

5 HO (high output) light fixture with 420/460nm and 10,000K lamps.

GENERAL

• Adjustable width aquarium frame mounts support fixture above aquarium.
• Single power cord makes it easy to mount on the aquarium or suspend from above.
• German-made specially angled individual reflectors maximize light by directing it into the aquarium.
• Suspension channels allow connection to optional cable for various mounting configurations.
• Metal attachments allow optional connection to multiple fixtures.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Rated Voltage: 120 Volt AC
• Rated Cycle: 60 Hz
• Power Factor: 0.55
• Input Current: 1.05A
• Total Wattage: 78W
• Tc: Max 167 Deg F
• Power Cord Length: 2 Meters

APPEARANCE

• Black ribbed matte finish
• Acrylic lens cover
• Black legs

COMPONENTS

• 410041 – 36 in T5 HO 24W 420/460 Lamp
• Right End Plate
• 410042 – 36 in T5 HO 24W 10,000K Lamp
• Left End Plate
• Aquarium Frame Mount
• 470020 - Ballast (T5 HO)
• Lens Cover
• Installation & Maintenance Guide
• Metal Attachment

my question is, it says total wattage is 78, does that mean it would be able to hold more watts even if i change the bulb?

I really am confused, there are so many options for lighting, I don't know which route to take.

 

[Fishfriend1]

IDK about lights too. Greech, Reef, Conski, and Ace are good with light and other SW tank stuff.

 

[greech]

I just posted some info in lights on another members thread asking about lighting for a 36" tank. Is that a Current fixture you're looking at? $119 for a 2 bulb isn't that great of a deal IMO. If you're going with T5, I recommend a 4 bulb versus 2. A 46 bow is a little deeper than most 36" tanks so you will need a little more to get light down to the bottom. An important to thing to look at in a T5 fixture is whether or not it has individual reflectors (and not just one bent/angled piece). A 4 bulb fixture will also allow you more color choices. Here are few good T5 suggestions:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/241219/product.web

Older versions have a one piece reflector but new ones are individual...
http://www.petmountain.com/show_pro...e=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=504255

Individual reflector but still a quality light with some nice options...
http://www.petmountain.com/product/a...dial-t5ho.html

You could also go to a 6 bulb for even more flexibility

http://www.petmountain.com/product/aquarium-light-fixtures/514047/nova-extreme-pro-t5ho.html

Here is a popular metal halide light as well.

http://www.petmountain.com/show_prod...tm_term=512010