Lighting question

[eghatch92]

I am new to the forum, and i really need to know information about lighting. I tried to search the forum for my answer but no luck. My question is a have a 72 gallon bow front with about 60lbs of live rock and have three fish. My lighting is one strip with two bulbs one a aqualight t-5 and just a normal bulb. My lighting says corral life on it. I want to eventually to be able to have some inverts, and some coral. What would be the best lighting system for under 250 dollars because i am on a budget. Thanks for all your help

 

[naclh2o nut]

your tank should measure about 12" for mounting purpose on sides. This will limit you (and me)

in lighting options. I have the same tank just taller 90 gal. Most P/Cs will fit, but metal halide is limited to hamilton or pendents. For the $250 range it will be P/Cs I just picked up the Coralife with moonlights for $275 @ lfs. Metal halide is recommended for corals

but about the best that I have found is a current sundial pendent around $200 each will need 2. Goodluck if you come up with anything let me know.

 

[oceansidefish]

You can get a T5 fixture and hang it from the ceiling. You could do the same with a MH pendant. look for a used one locally. You can let us know if you find one to see if its a good deal.

 

[cust11]

A MH pendant or a hang-on-ceiling T5 fixture will probably be your best bet. I personally made the switch from PCs to MH and I will never go back!
EDIT:
You may be able to build a decent MH or T5 canopy for less than the cost of a pre-fabbed one. As oceansidefish mentioned, look for some used fixtures or retrofit kits.