lighting

[jon1985]

Ok so I currently have a 4 bulb T5 fixture on my tank.  Not sure of the brand but it has 2 switches, 2 bulbs on one 2 bulbs on the other.  However it doesnt have individual reflectors.  I plan on retro fitting it with individual reflectors.  While I was thinking about it today I realized that if I am going to put all this work into it I want to add a 2 more bulbs so there is no limit to what I can keep.

Any basic tips before I start buying parts?

Thanks
Jon

[Vincenzo.]

make sure the ballast can support 4 bulbs. make sure they can support the right wattage. and you might need two cheap computer fans for the heat. indy reflectors will run you 30-50buck each. new bulbs will run you 20-50 bucks each. fans will cost. ballasts will cost... at this point you need to figure out if its worth just buying a 4bulb fixture for around the same price.

[jon1985]

I was hoping to use the ballast from the 4 bulb fixture.  That way I would only need a ballast to support 2 bulbs and 1 switch for the 2 new bulbs.  I plan to just disassemble the current fixture and rebuild it with 2 ballasts, 6 bulbs and 3 switches.  If I can rewire my current lights to use only 1 switch then I an use the extra switch to run the new lights.  I already have a fan in the hood expecting to need it with the current light but I dont need it but assume I will when I hook up the 2 new bulbs.