best lighting for 80gal reef

[big tuna]

want to be able to keep anything, and don't want to have to upgrade later on. Have about 18" from water line to sand. thanks

 

[up north hermit]

Of course, metal halides.
But with only an 18" depth, my choice would be VHO to avoid a heat issue.
I have a 40 with a 10-11" depth and went with VHO. I love it. However, I will concede that I don't (and won't) keep clams. My choices otherwise are almost unlimited. But again, I buy only farm cultured corals that are known to be grown under VHO. This way I have a great chance not only for survival, but to have specimans that thrive.
As always, there are MANY opinions on this debatable subject. This is simply mine.
HTH
Hermit

 

[ironreef]

Halides i've seen many 29g with 250w and with 1 fan they didn't have heat problems. But its easier to cool your tank if you have a sump. If not I have no experiance if they will get hot or not