Lighting for Saltwater

Question
Hi, Jennifer. It's Debbie again. I have a question. Our washer recently flooded our house and we are in the mist of having to move aquariums to get new flooring. My husband has been dropping hint that he would like me to move my saltwater fish into the 6 foot long 100 gallon tank that now houses my freshwater fish. It is not as deep as the 75, but it is wider and 2 feet longer.  Since I am the only one that enjoys my freshwater, I have decided to do that and get rid of the 75 gallon, especially since the only way we can love the 100 is to totally unload it gravel and all. So here is my question. Right now on the 4 foot long 75 gallon saltwater, I have a 48 inch T-5 light, 2 HOT magnums, 1 backpack protein skimmer. When I move to the 100 gallon, I plan to keep the HOT magnums and add the Emperor 400 from my 100, and the protein skimmer, will this filtration be enough for the 100 gallon saltwater? Also, I am not sure what to do about lighting, I am guessing the 48 inch strip will not be enough for this tank, even though it is not as deep as the 75 gallon, especially if I eventually plan to add corals. I was thinking about buying an 18 inch or 24 inch fixture or 2 36 inch, which is better T-5 or power compact? I really cannot afford metal halide. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Debbie. First of all I would like to say that you are a lucky woman! My husband cringes every time I want to upgrade my saltwater to a larger tank. Maybe you can give me some advice on how to convince him that I need to move my saltwater into a larger tank! All kidding aside, You are really only upgrading by 25 gallons. The addition of the extra filter will be plenty of filtration for your 100 gallon tank. As for the lighting the 48 inch T5 fixture you have now will suffice for a fish only tank. If you you want to add corals in the future you may just want to simply add a 24 inch T5 fixture or even keep the corals based in the area of light. If you were to have one foot on either side of your tank that isn't directly under light you just wouldn't want to put any light-loving corals one the sides but keep them concentrated towards the middle. Some corals actually do not need light to thrive like gorgonians and sun corals and this space would be the perfect place to add corals such as these. Set it up that way and see how it looks. Who knows you may like it! T5 lighting is of a higher output than compacts and provides much more intense light than compacts with out having to spend an arm and a leg on metal halides. I have sold many of the T5's to my customers and when they come back in they always have something wonderful to say about them. I haven't heard a complaint yet!