Yet another T5 vs Metal halide question

[MisFit]

Im building a rack system for clownfish pairs. Im using 3 rows of 3 30 gal breeders and I need to light them well enough for bubble tips. Now my original plan was to use 150w metal halides. The reason being its more than enough light and its not that expensive to replace the bulb. However, with 3 rows of tanks, there is another tank directly above the light for the lower rows. Im worried about heat. So I was thinking T5s. The downside is replacing multiple bulbs gets pricey. What would be sufficient t5 lighting for a 30 gal breeder?

 

[JayM]

I think 2 would be tight for enough light to keep BTA. You might need to go with 4.

If you're looking at bulbs, 4 t-5 bulbs are probably going to end up costing you as much as 1 MH bulb....