Need expert help about lights

[Huskyguy]

I want to upgrade my lights in my 180 gallon tank. I have fish and live rocks for now but I want to add corals soon from SPS to LPS and whatever I want. I want to be able grow the corals not just keep them, which that is the hard part.
Can LED grow corals? Is it strong enough? I have few friends recommend MH with HO T5s? I know it will not be cheap but I want to do it right so I am asking the experts opinion.

 

[that0neguy1126]

I have used both LED and T5's. My DT is 240 3w LED's and my frag tank is a 4 bulb 30" T5HO setup. Both grow just fine.

My monti's in my DT grow super fast. Acro's grow pretty good as well. It is usually the Zoa's I have a problem growing in my DT.

On my frag tank, I think I notice a little bit more of the red color's in the coral, but I wouldn't say they look any better or worse than the DT.

For the growth of corals, I beleive any system is capable of growing them at a good rate. But lighting is only half of the battle. There are a ton of other factor's that influence coral growth such as water parameters, flow, placement, pests, fish, etc.

 

[Huskyguy]

Water parameters are good, only my CA is high. The tank is due for a water change this weekend. So hope that should bring it down. Water flow is really good. About placement the coral I am going to invest in a PAR meter so that should help. Fish I have tangs and file fish with couple wrasses. I am going to add corals in the next 3 months, not in a hurry for it. I just want to make sure I buy the correct lights that will help coral growth.