power compacts or metal halides?

[waterboy_007]

I'm in the process of researching what will be best for my tank. The question is lighting. I was originally going to get power compacts (i think 90w), but then i heard about people regretting not spending a little more money to get metal halides. i heard that power compacts cant support all corals (including clams). my tank is 18 inches high for the record. will halides create a mess of algea and scare my fish? i welcome all input.

 

[wamp]

If you have the money, Halides would be best.
Power compacts are alot less than halides but are no where near the intesity.
For 18" tank. 175w would do fine. You will be able to keep most corals and some clams.
If you do not want to limit yourself, a 250w would be better.
They do not cause more algea. They will cause it to grow faster if you have some in the tank. A good Clean up crew is a must with any lights..

 

[von_rahvin]

MH are great but remember that they are hot. I truely had no idea how much heat one of those suckers put out. I'
m running 3 400 watt and 2 160 watt VHO so it is a bit more but the samw thought applies. before you build it yourself plan on a way to cool it. I set mine as a semi wind tunnel. it is 15 inches high, with 10 fans on it right now. i think i need a chillerr as well. good luck.
do i think MH are worth it?? yep.