Lighting info overlaod
 

I am getting ready to start a 50 gal saltwater tank my first. Have decided on everything except the light. First my tank is 48x13x 18"deep. I am going to start with LR and fish but would like to be able to expand to a few corals and definately an anenome. Mh are expensive and heat up a good bit which concerns me. I am looking at a nova extreme t5 light one is 216w and the other is 432 w would the 216 be sufficient or do I need more. Would a CF with sufficient wattage be ok. Everyone seems to frown on the Cf's. Please help very confused?

I say go with the MH's. You can then keep everything you like with that type of light.