Lighting: Need your opinion please

[SMS76]

I have 115G tank and i am thinking about keeping mostly softies, LPS and BTA's. It's high tank and dimentions are 48 x 18x 31.
I don't want MH as i don't want to risk it with kids. So without MH what other lighting would work for this high tank?

-> 4 x 96W PC
-> 6 x 65W PC
-> T5 ? what config?
-> VHO? What config?
Any other configuration or suggetions?

Also does 96watt PC are two times brighter then 55watt PC? By looking at the wattage they are pretty close but in reality, is that the case? Also how hot do 96W PC runs?

 

[RichConley]

I'd go T5 if you can't do MH, but I dont see why you cant have MH. Unless you're kids are climbing the side of the tank, they shouldnt be an issue. With a 31" tall tank, you're looking at minimum 6 feet off the ground for the pendants, probably higher if you have a tall stand.

 

[Triggerfish]

i'd probably go with 4 x 110 VHO
2 -10k
2 - super actinic blue


i do not notice much difference between my 65w and 96w pc bulbs.