Hey Dave no diy on the compacts I used 2 of these fixtures.
http://www.esuweb.com/cardfile.asp?I...elationship=36
The only diy is I am going to string your rope light idea in between the fixture attaching it to the legs on the back fixture.
UPDATE: As posted earlier all those parameters are the same.
My lta purple tipped doesn't like the new setup yet and did pull back in the rock and I thought I was going to lose it, but after rearranging the rock a bit and a couple of days target feeding frozen baby brine and live brine today it is looking better. It still isn't completely happy.
The rest of the inhabitants are doing well and opening larger, my Gorgonian is really extending its polyps. The two Frags ( colt coral and star polyps) I added also are doing well and the colt coral is standing tall. I did pick up 2 bulbs that are true blue and not actinic to see if I like that look but like the look I have now.
By the way I use ro water but have noticed a quicker algae bloom I am wiping the tank twice a week instead of one if it gets worse I will investigate further.
All in all this route is pretty easy but would cost between $500-$600 so I don't know if it is less expensive then halides but I liked the ease and no heat concerns at all.
Pc Lighting experiment 
Starting over with a 210 RR from All Glass, Lifereef Berlin sump, skimmer (installed) and calcium reactor (ordered). Aquatraders Catalina 72" 3x400 mh 10 k/4x96 watt blue PC, Closed Loop with Little Giant 4MDQX-SC and 2- 3/4 Seaswirls. 
