T5's over a 72gal bowfront

Ok, so here is the deal.

I just got a 72gal bowfront with canopy that has 2 48" T5 lights (one white and one blue) which I am going to assume are 10,000k and actinic and I dont think they have reflectors.. I think the wattage is 54watts per bulb. I more than likely need to upgrade pretty soon since my current 29gal is sitting under 130watts of coralife PC lighting. I dont know if I should move my stuff over just yet because of the lighting.. I have almost all softies, mushrooms etc. I

know most are going to say "go mh" but I think I want to stay with T5s since they will take less juice to run and put out less heat. I need some advice on what to add, where to get it etc etc.. I have NO knowledge of T5 lighting so I dont even know where to start.. I was thinking maybe adding 4 more T5 bulbs, but dont know how they should be placed or anything. Also... you have to have a ballast per 2 bulbs so its going to get crowded. I just need to figure something cool out, so I can run them on timers and still be able to reproduce a morning/dusk effect like I somewhat do with my PC fixture. I will more than likely want to stay retrofit though.. if you have any suggesetions as to placement, POST.. if you have any cool links POST.. know any cheap prices... def POST!

The more specific you can be the better! example... you need this many bulbs, this relfector, this ballast, these endcaps. fill in the blanks and you will be my best friend!

 

I think there are ballasts that can run 4x T5s.

I'd go MH though (DIY) and use your current T5s for actinic supp.

 

I dont want to deal the heat of MH.
I live in a fairly small apt... more heat = the more the ac has to run.. mh draw alot of power.. its a vicious circle haha

I was thinking of adding 4 maybe 6 more 48" bulbs with reflectors. just need to find a way to run more than 2 per ballast

 

Icecap 660s say they can run 4 bulbs per unit, but I'm fighting my own battle with t5 ballasts and if you have specific info to the contrary, please let me know (maybe that's why it melted my endcaps, I tried to run 4 bulbs off it).

 

what do yall think about this T5 Tek Light 2x54 watt Retro Fit Kit 48" - (eBay item 120151440281 end time Sep-13-07 10:38:42 PDT)
I can get it fairly cheaper since he is local to me.. is it worth it???? I dont know anything about Tek5

what about this?
MHS 48" T6 HO Aquarium Compact Lighting 216W, > T5 - (eBay item 160148114972 end time Aug-22-07 22:44:16 PDT)
I found it searching for T5's... I dont know anything about T6's lol.. as you can see I dont know much about anything

 

I have the Tek Retros. They are nice cheap set up. I run 8 so 4 pairs as my Actinics. I would go with them if you have the ability to make something nice for them to be house in. (unlike me I just nailed them to some wood )

J

 

they will be housed in the stock bowfront hood, but it has been fitted with a piece of wood on top so it would be mounted to that, but the actual hood will be covering it so I'm not worried about it looking pretty, just being functional

 

That will be great then.

But I have to say it (if not just to bug you)
I would go with MH

J

 

haha, yeah yeah yeah lol

too much heat for my small apt! :-[

 

if they don't have reflectors and a ballast that you can see,they may be normal output t5 instead of high output.only ho t5 are going to be enough for that tank.you may want to make sure of what you already have