lighting for 55 with variety of coral

[motorslave]

Ive got a 55 show and want to have the ability to grow a variety of coral. For me I want to be able to "grow" them, My wife wants to see colors. Ive decided on the layout of the CLS and all plumbing. Im going to build the skimmer this weekend and start on the sump next week. So lighting is the last of the basics in order to get going.
So basicaly Im looking for a relatively full service light set up. Simple is good in my mind (yes I know how that sounds) and I know money will be an unavoidable issue. So VHO? MH? Actinic? Which does what? Tahnks in advance

[Geoff]

if you can get MH's. i would not go above 250's for that sized tank. i had a single 175 on my 55 for many years and was able to keep some moderate light corals, with some creative placement. you will have a heat issue though.

the other option, and some argue it is just as good as MH's is VHO's. get as many VHO bulbs as you can fit.

G~

[jeepjon]

One of the LFS guys I know only uses VHO's, and he propogates a lot of exotic Acro species. He seems to get really good results from them. Go with whatever you desire...get as much as possible. I have always thought PC and VHO are great, but that's me, and I'm always a little different than everyone else :-P

[motorslave]

What kind of affect do different lights have on the apearance of a tank. (the colors we see)??