Advice on lighting a 65 gallon tank

[lyman1415]

I have 65 gallon tank that I would to set up as a reef, but I am unsure of what kind of light and how much lighting I should for that size tank. I would like to do a little bit of everything as far corals go. I read up on the LEDs verse Metal Halide and each have good qualities but I am leaning to the LEDs. Any thoughts or comment on the two will be greatly appreciated.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Bump
For a 65g, I stick with the traditional way that has worked for me over the years - T5HO light fixtures. Any tank over 4 foot long, I light with metal halides. LEDs are a little bit over my price range. But, I heard that the electric bill is cheaper, and the cost of replacing the lights are a lot cheaper.
As far as I know, everything I've heard says that DIY is the way to go when dealing with LEDs. I hope 2Quills shows up - he might be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[gemmy]

Al & Burke also has a 65 reef I believe and I think he runs T-5's on it.

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/388953/advice-on-lighting-a-65-gallon-tank#post_3433687
Al & Burke also has a 65 reef I believe and I think he runs T-5's on it.
Yes I do - I have 3 sets of Aquatic Life, two bulbs per set - I really like them - but someday I would like to try LED's. They are nice because you can buy one at a time and when you get more they bolt together, on my 65 I really don't have any room for more but I could get a strip of LED's