Question about light fixture

[rpedro04]

What do the experience hobbyist recommend for a 50 gallon with soft corals?
Oceanlight 36" Metal Halide Fixture 2x250W HQI+ 2x39W T5 by AquaMedic* ,Aqualight Pro 36" Strip 250W HQI Halide or Current USA 36" Nova Extreme Pro 6x39w...what is enough and what is to much or can all be used in my tank safely without hurting the fish,creatures and corals?
Thank you for all the help...

 

[JayM]

what are the dimensions of your 50 gallon?

for soft corals.....

2x250 or 1x250 are WAY too much light.

 

[rpedro04]

Dimensions are 36"x20x18...i have some mushrooms,button polyps,xenia,two duncan and a good size frogspawn.I have a jalli 36" 6x39w but its really old and sometimes some of the bulbs dont go on so i decided to get a new one and decided to get help here since i'm not to experienced with it.

what are the dimensions of your 50 gallon?

for soft corals.....

2x250 or 1x250 are WAY too much light.

 

[sciknen]

I go with a nicer T5 setup.. no need for that much light though.. You could get by with a little less than a reef tank, but if you plan on going sps or clams ever might as well get something that will light it too.. or be upgradeable.

 

[Takara]

a 4 bulb t5 would be good with decent reflectors

 

[theone]

I have a 50 with a MH 175 36x18x18

xenia
orange cap
torch
hammer
button polyps
zoas

I like the shimmer from MH
Look at pics or go to a good LFS to see the difference.

I change the bulb once a year

Cant speak for T5 bulb life

 

[JohnK]

FWIW some "softies" do like bright light.