If you prefer the look of the halides then for sure go with halides. You would not need the bigger reflectors because you will raise them up in your shallow tank and they light will spread out more. Also, you would be shocked at how little the primes put out.
Any recommendations on hardware? 150W or 250W? Not trying to have 300 PAR at the sand bed LOL (would prefer low 100's). Can always raise the light up but don't want them 20" off the surface of the tank blinding me lol