I posted about my low-tech tank a while back and I'm finally getting around to the lighting.I have a new question about this project.

My tank is a 150 gal.( 72x18x28 ) and Tom told me that 4 T5HO's would provide enough light for my plans.So here is my new question(s).

Can I use standard T5 bulbs?I found a great deal on some T5 ballasts but unfortunatly they are not HO ballasts.I was thinking of 8 standard T5's that would give me a greater amount of lumens and about the same number of watts,but I am unsure if the standard bulbs will penetrate to my tank depth 28".Any information would be very helpful.