You’re in the same boat as some of us who are putting off and waiting for the jury to come to a verdict. I am still learning myself in regards to what is good and what is bad.
From what I can tell you have to take the depth of your tank into consideration. The penetration power of the lights is important as well. From what I have gathered so far the only real colors you need are white and blue (check on type of blue).
One of the questions I posed to Jake Adams at February’s meeting was in regards to the other needed colors and spectrum of light. Now it has been said that the blue and white alone does not meet certain spectrums that are needed. But some articles say it is good to have red and I can never remember the other color that is good to have in the light you choose.
With that being said, be very careful in what you select. I keep hearing of people burning or bleaching their corals, so I guess having the ability to dim them is very important. At least the ability of being able to raise and lower the fixture as needed to avoid this issue.
Experiences have been, buy something very cheap and end up with issues. Go mid to high quality would be my advice. I like the options of the Radions, but let’s face it. Who can afford all that money over a 120-240g tank?
I am sure someone with more experience or members that have LED’s lights will chime in here shortly with a better outlook. I can tell you that I am planning to go with a variety of LED and T5’s. Let’s face it MH are expensive to run and LED’s are expensive to purchase. I am sure that the price will come down over the next several years, but that would only put off getting your tank up and running.
Definitely do your research and ask, ask, ask. Form your own opinion and go with a decision you are confident with. You are the one that needs to be happy in the long run, mentally and financially.
Good luck! Let us all know what you decide.
