Lighting Question

[blueboy]

i would do a carefull comparison of the price first. yeah, the NO bulbs are cheaper, but you'll need so many of them, and you'll be lucky to fit all those over a 125. in the long run you'll probably want to upgrade(believe me) and then what you have will not be usefull to you. i would run VHO for now, then if you decide to go with MH in the future, you can always use the VHO for actinic. i would advise against CF, or T-5. CF's are too expensive, and T-5's aren't too good for actinic supplementation. whatever you use, don't skimp on the reflector, that can make a world of difference.

[saltcreepette]

your plan would work, space allowing, but i second what blueboy said. I am poor and I never thought I would be able to have MH (I have a softy tank too and my softies love the MH at 6.65 watts per gallon) but I eventually got it after trying NO and power compact flourescents. Take it from someone who's been where you are now (decision wise).....