I've been stuggling trying to figure out the best config for my ATS. I've read all the posts about T5 and LED and I know I will go with one of those. I'm good with acrylic and will build something nice. I have a decent budget to work with for the build but am concerned about long term operating costs. I'm not worried about electricity costs so much as I am about bulb replacement costs. I have done a rapidLED kit and retro T5's before and would much prefer a fixture to retro/DIY.

Option A: double SM100, 196 watts of F24T5/HO
Includes acrylic for double height SM100 (so SM200)
4 Nova Extreme 24" lights (8 bulbs total, 4 on each side)
1 year of light bulbs
484 sq inches of screen total (242 per side)
~$420 cost to build. Annual cost of $120 for bulbs. 7 year operating costs (electricity excluded) $1,260

Pros: Tested and verified effective scrubbing configuration
Cons: Cost!! Higher flow required 770 gph.

Option B: 17 x 17 screen lit on each side with a 100W Lighthouse Blackstar CREE Led SIX BAND grow light. 200W total light.
Includes acrylic for a 18" black cube. I am thinking a cube because I am not sure of the distance required for these lights. This cube would allow me to place the LEDs between 1" and 7" away from the screen.
two 100W Lighthouse LED 6 band grow lights
578 sq inches of screen total (289 per side)
~$370 cost to build. 7 year operating cost (electricity excluded) $370

Pros: Cost! 595 gph flow, so lower. More screen sq inches. Easier acrylic build (fewer cuts).
Cons: LEDs are semi-tested and this would be "experimental". I'm not sure of the distance to place the fixture or if 100W will be too much light.

Thanks in advance!