Lighting an Educational Tank (Pleasehelp if you know something about LEDs or MH)

So recently a science teacher at my mom's school contacted me about doing a reef setup since it is part of their curriculum. I was thinking 45 cube kit:
Saltwater Custom Reef Aquariums - GreatLakesAquariums.com
Plus a skimmer.
The only thing is that I kind of want to go LED for this setup, it will be one less worry. So I've read one AI sol blue would light the 25x25x18 tank, then that a Sol Nano will too. I am also looking at Orphek's PR25s as well as the Sunbrite Slimline S. Any other ideas/experience/input?
Coral wise I'd be doing some EZ SPS near the top, Birdsnest, Porites, Pocis, and a few Montis. The rest would be LPS, most likely Chalices and Brains, a Hammer or 2 and maybe some softies. So would one AI be enough? If I switched the optics? What about an AI Nano? Sunbrite? Any other fixture ideas? I want to keep this within a 475$ budget.

 

With a class room setting I would think a long/tall tank vs a cube. More frontal viewing area. Sounds like a sweet plan though. Definitely good quality low maintanence & noise equipment is needed though.

 

Yeah I'm satrting with dry rock/sand and it will hopefully be an ULNS, keep the pests out. I'll go every 2 weeks for a WC, and the school is paying for a maintenance guy! I'm leaning towards a cube because half the room is window space and this will fit perfectly in the corner. Planning on a reef octo NWB110 skimmer.

 

The AI unit alone is going to be over your budget.

 

Yes I realize but I helped the LFS out a bit so I get a discount.

 

Anyone else? I think the AI would work, I've seen it on a 40 breeder. Plus I looked at T.A.R.'s educational tank and one AI is lighting a full 93 cube. Would 2 Sunbrites work? Or 3 PAR38s?

 

Bump for the later crowd.

 

you have a budget? is the school or teacher paying for this? if its in a classroom there should be top of the line stuff to take down maintenance alot. and who knows what kids will put in the tank so a freaking nice filter.

 

Not to worry! The tank will have a fuge/wetdry combo, ATO, Reef Octo NWB110 Skimmer, a top and it will be too tall for any of the kids to reach into and it will have a top. She has 4-5 freshie tanks and have never had a problem with the and students, but I'm putting a safety catch on the door all the same. Leaning towards one AI, but kindof want to do an Ecoxotic Pano Retro 36.

 

Anyone?