lighting question

[vanilagorila23]

Hello all after about 8 years with no tank I woke up and got bite by the bug again. I have forgot a lot but over time I hope to remember and learn more then I once knew. I am starting a 48x24x12 reef tank. I am pretty sure I'm going with t5 but not sure of how many watts to run cause the tank is only 12inch deep. I will have a little of everything in the tank. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Welcome here.

You should first determine what inhabitants you want to keep to calculate how much light you need.

 

[vanilagorila23]

Mostly lps, some sps and clams.

 

[Donewiththisplace]

If you dont need the penetrating reach of MH or want to spend the $$ on leds.. I would suggest a powerful t5 such as the Current Nova Extreme Pro. Been running one for a year and a half.. good light penetration with the tank at 20" deep. And it comes in a 48" fixture. 6 bulb fixture allows for various colors depending on what your looking for.