Check out @
d2mini’s tank on here. He has started many tanks with Tampa bay rock. I don’t think he’s had any “bad” hitchhikers, yes you could go with a smaller rock package but not sure of the smallest allotment you could get.
I’m sure you could be successful with maxsoect. My beef has been lack of spread with LEDs compared to what you get with MH. Sure you can supplement with T5s or get more units to fill in the shadowing but then you’re spending more than you wanted. Do what you feel good about. I was liking the efficiency LEDs offered but then the spread was an issue for me as well as the shadowing. There’s a ton of people using LEDs and a lot who are moving back to T5 and/or MH. I’ve never had issues with the heat from T5s or MH, but rather the fan noise from having to cool the bulbs. My tank is in the basement so it doesn’t really become an issue for the family.