I hear ya on the MH. 
  
I still remember rocking the single ended 400s with huge reflectors. only took 2 to light my 180 and you could put sps everywhere! add 2 VHOs and Boom youre done! 
  
if it weren't for the size of fixture/canopy/hood needed for it, i'd consider them for sure. if only I was doing an in-wall with a fishroom. 
  
having said that, the DE MH fixtures I've used just didn't cut it on spread. i'm sure if you raise lights high enough the spread would be better, but I don't think I've ever had a fixture more than 8" above the tank. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
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