[canadawest]

I don't know how close is too close, but as an updated to my previous post, I have one tube 1" from my MH lamp and another tube 2" from it. So far no ill effects.

Now I have only had the MH lamp for a little less than 2 weeks, so I have no long term observations. Perhaps others who have used MH and florescents for longer can comment?

I don't imagine there would be too much trouble having your florescent tube near the end of your lamp.