T5 versus pc?

[mitlik1]

2X250 watt metal halide + 2-65 watt power compact actinic bulbs 2-65 watt power compact 10,000k bulbs
or
2 X 250 watt metal halide with 2 X 54 watt T5 HO bulbs.

Opinions on which system would be better in terms of looks and coral growth? 48" for a 75 gallon 24 inch depth. Would 400 metal halides be too much? Softies and LPS right now.
Thank you for your thoughts!

[bassnman11]

If you are going to have a hood, you might want to consider T5hos. If you have seen any of GrimReefers tests, you will see that the T5s put out as much or more than halides unless you have a very narrow tank. 6 54 w T5 would give you enough light for any coral or clams. I have 4 on a 20 inch 60 and they are very bright. My clam is happy and sps are growing well. The other advantage is 1/2 the power usage and much less heat, no chiller required. Use good individual reflectors and icecap ballast . With 6 bulbs you can run them on 2 circuits for color, sunrise or what ever effect. If you plan on softies and lps only, 4 would be enough.

[psimitry]

I think the general setup might be a bit much for LPS and softies. They're traditionally low light creatures. I think you could get away with a 2x 150W MH + low wattage PC for light supplementation.