I have had both, and I like the look of the MH, the light from t-5 has no shimmer. Cost of electricity for me was negligible savings with T-5, but heat is the big savings with T-5 in my opinion (with my system I had) When faced with a choice for cost T-5 when faced with what looks and works best MH. I will setup a 225+ gallon and when I do it will most 100% sure be MH (14k) I think your really going to hate the color of the 3 act and 5 10k, you should consider a few higher temp bulbs in the config, not sure of brand your looking at.