Help choose lighting.

[xxxbadfishxxx]

I am upgrading from a 50 Gallon to 120 Gallon Mixed Reef. I currently have T5's but am debating on going to MH/T5 combo. One day i am on one side, the next on the other. This will be a mixed reef and will NEVER go to an SPS Dominant Reef, i just like movement in the tank. I will have some SPS, but they will mainly be kept up high. I will have a basement sump and my wife likes to blast the AC in the summer so i highly doubt Temperture will be a problem, the basement stay cool year round. I am debating the following fixtures, would like to get some of your thoughts on what you would choose and why.

MH/T5 Fixtures
1 - Outer Orbit 2 x 150mh with 4x54 watt T5 Actinics
2 - Outer Orbit 2 x 250mh with 4x54 watt T5 Actinics

T5 Only Fixtures
3 - 8x54 watt TekLight
4 - 6x54 watt TekLight
5 - Current USA Nova Extreme Pro 6x54watt

 

[str8clownr]

#2 seems the best because MH are proven, and t5 supplements is a big plus..

however ive been doing lots of research into T5s and could see how the 8light fixture will be better in the long run... bulbs will last longer and be cheaper to replace

as well as giving you the option to fine tune the color you want in your reef.

so i guess im stuck between #2 and #3

what is the price difference?

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

#2 is like 300 more. I am sliding toward 2 & 3 myself, but wonder if i really need 250's if i go the MH Route.

 

[macronut]

Regarding MH #.....depends on if your 120 is 48" long or longer and depth is shallower. A 120 at 48" long I'd go with two 250 w MH's with t-5 sup. If it were the 120 that's longer then you could get by with the 175 watters with T-5 sups. If it is the long 120 I'd use 3 MH for even distribution. Just my opinion. I have 2 250watt MH on my 90 with VHO sups and plan on changing the vho to T-5's.