Need to know where?

[Heathershobbie]

Okay, when i get my house. (currently looking)
I plan on setting up my husbands 55 gal
I need to know two things.
What kind of lighting would be best for a coral reef tank. and The best kind of filtration. Both which won't break my bank.
Thanks
Heather.
Ie I have done salt before just on a very small level.

 

[KahluaZzZ]

depends on wich corals you plan to keep..but assuming your 55g is a 48 inches long, a 2x250w metal halide can make you keep anything, but a standard 55g isn't tall so 2x150w halides can be cool and cost less.
The cheapest option is fluorescent lighting ( normal, t5, pc etc ) but you need to change de bulb more often so on the long run MH (metal halide) is better.
The best kind of mechanical filtration = a good skimmer.
The best kind of biological filtration = very porous live rock.
Also macro algae like chaetomorpha and caulerpa.

 

[TRe]

i agree totally with kahluazzz