Sufficient Lighting for Corals?

[nothing]

I have a 30 gallon tank, 16" depth, it's a used tank I bought from my buddy and it currently has a single 65w PC and I realize I need to upgrade prior to purchasing any corals.
The problem is, I do not really want to spend the money (I know, wrong hobby, right?) on halides so I'm looking at a the Coralife Deluxe 30", it has two 65w PCs this gives me roughly 4.3 wpg most of the local stores in my area are telling me I can support a lot of corals with that amount of lighting... anyone have any comments?
That kit costs $170 versus maybe the Current USA 30" SunPod which only has a 150 watt metal halide... I've found that kit for $280.... so almost twice the money for 20 extra watts.... worth it?

 

[petjunkie]

It really depends on how badly you like corals, if you are going to pursue a reef tank go with the halides just because almost everyone on here has gone through this dilemma before and spends twice as much upgrading in a year or two. I had 130 watts pc over my 13" deep tank and stuff did okay but didn't spread quickly and most zoos stretched as far as possible or wasted away, mushrooms did pretty good but more light really makes a difference. I have 150 halide over mine now.

 

[farslayer]

Look into T5 lighting as an inexpensive alternative. It is debatable as to long term health of some of the more light-demanding corals, but for LPS and softies you'll be just fine.
Halides rock BTW, so if you think you may want them, get them now and don't spend more later.