so, i broke down and bought myself a 2x250w hqi ballast
I plan on running sun aquatics 10000k bulbs with it for now with uri 10000k vhos. yes..some might say that's odd, but it's what I have now, until I can afford another "upgrade" i will run it as that. Then plan is to eventually run 2 10000k t5s, and 2 actinic t5s with the halides on for only a few hours (6-8) for bright mid-day effect. with the 10000k t5s on for about 12 hours, etc.
yay, me so happy.