if i wanted to start a reef tank

[joec21]

what type of lighting system should i get for a 20 gal? any links with images would be really helpful as well.

 

[col]

It depends on what you intend to keep in the tank.
For fish only it doesn't matter. Different corals have different lighting requirements, low, medium and high.

 

[joec21]

hm, ok lets say i wanted to go as high as medium for corals.

 

[col]

Try a search for Power Compact (PC) or VHO on this board for more info.
I live in UK and there is not a lot of choice for the above for us.

 

[squidd]

FWIW
I started a 20 gal Nano reef, and have a Coralife 2x65w PC light set...130 watts...6.5 watt/gal.
1/2 10000k 1/2 actinic
Considered in the medium light range you would be safe with the soft corals...Shrooms,leathers,polyps,xenia,zoos...some LPS and a few SPS, but you should research each coral separately for their light and water requirements...
I also have a 10 gal sump/fuge with macros LR/LS and a skimmer on this setup...

 

[nm reef]

what type of lighting system should i get for a 20 gal? any links with images would be really helpful as well.
The type of lighting you select will depend on the type of corals you intend to keep. The intensity of your lighting will in large part dictate what types of coral you'll be able to successfully keep.
Basically before we could suggest a type of lighting we'd need to know your intentions for your specific system. Then we could go from there.