Sorry to hear about your Mitras issue Tony.
I run an 8 bulb T5 and, yes, I suffer annually. But, I can replace ballasts if needed, and because I rewired my fixture, I control 2 bulbs per timer. Not as slick as LEDs with sunrise/sunset etc, but enough for my SPS for sure.
So, initial cost was used $350 ($1000 new and was 6 months old) for a 4' tank.
Annual costs are $250. Haven't replaced a ballast yet in 6 years. If need be, ballasts are about $50.
I guess you're still ahead of me, now that I add up my costs over the last 6 years. YIKES
But at $1600 USD for a pair of AP700s, I'll stick with my T5s
At least mine are repairable ...
