Thanks guys ,

Vaughn that I guess is why Im struggling a bit with making my mind up on what I need ,Not only the type of light but the distance from the tank. I think Ill setup a 2 ft tank to start with so I can make it a fry tank later on. It also means less equipment to start with as my budget is quite tight atm.
As Im not sure whether the tank Ill get will have a hood or not I think I'll make up a hood and have adjustment for the lights built in to it.

Thanks Henry those yardstick figures are ideal for starting up a new tank .