I few questions about lights on a new 75 gallon system

[Chris1006]

I've been reading for the past few hours about lighting, but I still don't understand a few things. I have a canopy already, so I don't know if that eliminates the better lighting systems that I can get. If someone could summarize the different lighting systems that I could use, I would be very thankful. Also, I read a post about a shimmering affect some lights can give. Which lights have shimmering effects?

[dobejazz]

Metal Halide Lights have the shimmer. Can you post a picture of your tank and canopy??

[Chris1006]

I can't right now because my camera is gone! But I can describe it to the best of my ability.

[Chris1006]

If there is a good lighting system where I would have to take off the canopy, it really isn't a problem to take it off. I've been looking at the t5 lighting and the MH lighting and they both seem very affective. What lighting system would I need that would allow me to keep anything I wanted, and how much money should I be looking forward to spending? 500 dollars or more?

[abigtroutt]

Chris I would look into a MH 175 or 250 Watt with 2 54 watt T-5's. Are you going to retro fit or are you looking into a fixture. How tall is your canopy? All MH lighs will heat up your water, if too close you will have to add fans or a chiller. As for money depends on fixture over $500 or retro under $500

[irish02bk]

Whats the main difference between T5 and PC? is $80 more to go with T5 worth it?

[Sndwave80]

I ran a 90gal with 5x 110watt VHO (T-12) and ran into no problems with keeping anything. I have since upgraded to a larger tank and still run VHO and now MH. But beware that MH will run you more $$ and they are not as energy efficient and the T12, T5's. So expect higher home energy costs.

[Loverotties]

Mh gives you the shimmering effect.