Newbie looking for some lighting help

Looking for some help. I'm just starting out and need some help deciding on what kind of light to use and how to do it correctly. I am setting up a 125 gallon tank as a reef tank. I'm thinking I want to use T5's since they aren't as expensive to operate than the MH. The problem I'm having is I believe the T5's don't come in a six foot length. So I'm thinking about making my own light hood and using 5 foot bulbs instead and suspending it from the ceiling. Would this be a good option for me or is there any other options that would be better.

Thanks for all the help.

 

Yes you can use t5s but you are right they dont come in 6 foot. You could make a canopy and stagger them side to side to get full coverage. I would not make something and have them sit in the middle bc you will not have full coverage of the tank......

 

If you get the high output 60" 80w bulbs you will be fine. I had this discussion with dr. Frag a while back in the T5 lighting post and since then I ordered the ATI sunpower for my 125g, just got them friday you can see pictures of it on my canopy to give you an idea in my build page in my signature.