75gal lighting

[sperry]

Doris wants to upgrade her lighting on the 75gal. I was thinking of 2x250W MH + 2 of her existing VHOs for actinics. In looking around I see some 6 and 8 bulb T5 fixtures that are only $50 to $60 more than the MH.
Which would be the better option? She has a wood canopy with fans that would hold the MH, I dont know if you can mount a T5 fixture in a canopy or if it would have to be open top.

So all you lighting experts, which would be better for the money?

 

[MarineFlake]

What is in the tank or what is it Doris desires to keep in the tank that will need more intense lighting? Looking over the RC TOTM for the last couple years, one can find very elaborate tanks using both flavors of lighting. One, as recently as a few months back, was a large tank using T5 lighting and was one of the most colorful tanks I have ever seen featured. I use VHO over my 75G and keep softies, SPS, etc so there must be something driving the change. Stock I believe dictates, to some degree, the answer to your question (That and ones access to fish funding : ).

 

[sperry]

It is a mixed reef, SPS, LPS, softies, a clam at some point. Corals dont have the vibrant colors with VHOs that I get with MH. I have never used T5s for anything other than actinics. I dont know how many bulbs would be recommended for a 75gal or what combination of bulb spcetrums would be good. I have read a bunch of stuff about them and think I am more confused now. Some people seem to thing they are the greatest thing while others like the MH. Im just looking for opinions.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

You could make a ledge for it to sit on.My lights are 4'' from where the water will be.I will post a pic.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t205/SNAKEMANVET/?action=view&current=100_0708.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t205/SNAKEMANVET/100_0708.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Here is the pic.It is a 48'' 6x54watt tek light.Hope this helps.