We were wondering just how much light we're need and where to get it? thanks

That depends on what you want to keep.

She would like to keep SPS and LPS of all sorts...lots of colorful items.

Is this your first tank?  There are so many variables in this hobby and that is why the common advice is always to do your homework, read as much as you can and especially check out other reefers setups.  As far as lighting goes, there are so many different options and what you are planning on keeping in your tank will dictate what the minimal lighting you can have and still be ok.  However, realize that most people end up wanting to keep SPS and LPS if they get into a reef tank.  It is always best to consider this fact before you buy anything.  The depth of your tank also means that you will have to have more powerful lighting than someone with a shallower tank.  There are several great threads on Reef Central about lighting, including T5's, Hallides and the newer more expensive outfits.   I was going to say that this is an area that you cannot skimp on but in reality I don't know which area you can successfully skimp on in this hobby.  Go to Reef Central and spend about 3 days reading all the posts that you can and you will learn from other peoples mistakes, what they found good and bad about their equipment and problems they encountered.  All of that great information for free!   You just have to take the time.

Good luck and keep asking questions.  I do!

My 1st large saltwater, we have a 75 now and the 220 is my freshwater. We decided that the saltwater is a much better tank to look at with all the bright colors and interesting things going on. I was reading that with the 220 i should get 3 400 watt mh with 2 96 watt actinics if i want to have corals low. Why is the mh so expensive? Is there a place to buy them without having to mortgage the house? 

I guess in this hobby as in so many things in life, "you get what you pay for".   Again I stress the importance of really doing research before you make any decisions on equipment.  When you end up buying something and then buying another to replace it when you find it inadequate, then you have spent more than you might have if you took your time.  The classified is always an option too, sometimes you can get a great deal. 

I like the idea of 3 400 watts, but the compacts are a joke. I would go with T5's or at least a nice set of VHO's. Like Robyn said, equipment is best bought one time. If you research and plan properly you actually can save money by buying quality equipment from the start. I know this hobby has cost me 10 times what it should in equipment I did not need or was over priced and under rated for what I wanted.

3 400 watt halide would work on that tank no matter what you want to keep just depends were you place then with light requirements. sps up top, lps middle and softie could be down more.

I agree 3-400watt are the way to go!

A suggestion I'd like to make if you decide to go with MH is to go with the Lumen Bright reflectors and then you can go with the 250w bulbs and ballasts.  It would save you in electricity and less heat for the 250w vs 400w bulbs and ballasts.  I know that I'm a minority in my preference but hopefully when I get the rest of mine set up I will make some believers here!

Thanks for the advise......we can't wait to see your tank done.