Options for adding another T5 light?

[liquidlunch]

I have a 90 gal that is lit by (4) 48" T5's w/ an IC 660 ballast. The bulbs that I use are (2) UVL Super Act,(1) GE 6.5k and (1) UVL Actinic White.
I would like to add (2) more bulbs but I simply do not have the room, but I can easily sneak (1) more in w/ no problem. If I could add (2), I would just buy an IC 430 ballast and bulbs and be done. Since I plan to add just (1) bulb, what would be a decent, cheap ballast to use? I plan to have this 5th bulb turn on an hour before the light cycle and off an hour after.

thanks

[JetCat USA]

you'd be better off getting a 430 and putting it on the two actinic bulbs, and then rewire the 660 to a 3 bulb setup. just my $.02

[liquidlunch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10651839#post10651839 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JetCat USA
you'd be better off getting a 430 and putting it on the two actinic bulbs, and then rewire the 660 to a 3 bulb setup. just my $.02

that crossed my mind but then i got lazy. i think that i may do that. thanks

[hanas]

I'm in the same situation as you are, since I also have a 90G and am also running 4 T5's on an Icecap 660. I would like to hear some suggestions as well.

[liquidlunch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10652486#post10652486 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nami19
I'm in the same situation as you are, since I also have a 90G and am also running 4 T5's on an Icecap 660. I would like to hear some suggestions as well.

I took a serious look at my lights last night and compared an unused GE 6.5k bulb to another one that has been used for a year and there was a noticeable difference. I plan on changing my bulbs this week instead of waiting to the 18 month period. I have a nice fan/ventilation system but I'm sure it could always be better to keep these T5's cooler and lasting longer.

[JetCat USA]

T5s when overdriven even with active cooling (fans) won't last 18 months, a year is pushing it.