Reef Tank Lighting

[aseeley]

I am in the process of selecting components for a reef/coral tank. Lighting has me perplexed. I think I would want MH lights but all the lighting is soooooo expensive. Can anyone suggest a good set up for a 125/150 tank set up i would like to get a tank with a canopy for the lighting.
I have been looking for a reef type setup in craigslist, but almost all of them are lacking in the lighting department.
thanks, alan

[Texreefer]

have you decided on what type of reef you ultimately want to keep? I'm guessing since you are considering MH that you are wanting to keep stoney corals,, if your wanting a canopy and are not concerned with heat, and/or can place fans in the canopy, then you cant beat retro setups for bang for buck. the least expensive i can think of and still get good growth/color is doing a 250 PFO ballast with coralvue 14k bulb and a couple of Sunlight Supply Reef Optix 2 Retrofit Reflectors

just my opinion