Lighting virgin-I need your help!

[fencer]

Good summary Catherine
You also can get MH bulbs from none tradition sources. Unlike PC and T5's which you pretty much have to get from the aquarium industry. I am not sure if the longevity of T5 or PC is any better than MH. You forget the more esoteric properties of MH. The water shimmers..okay that sounds goofy but you all know what I mean. I think cost is about the same when you look for package lighting systems. MH ballasts can get very bulky as opposed to PC or T5. Some you can fry eggs on. My money is on using MH, although I am using PC right now. My MH were 6500k but I am switching to 10000k. My PC are 14000k...a little to blue for me. One thing I have to say get a set of moon lights...there nice to look at, although I am not sure if they have any effect on corals. Heat and power consumption are the considerations you should be thinking about.