Jim
I have used supplies from lighting manufacturers which has saved hundreds of
dollars. I bought some metal broom stick holders (clips) which I screwed to
the underneath of my hood. These make perfect fluro holders. I also got some
end caps from a lighting wholesaler for about $1.50 each which I then wired
(using speaker wire which is cheap) to some electronic balasts mounted in
the cabinet. I used an electrical plug in the wire (bought from Dick Smiths
for $4.00) so the hood could be removed easily if need be. The ballasts were
by far the most expensive item. I got two E-ballasts that ran all up 4 times
40W tubes for $50 each, but this was trade price. Retail would probably be
around $100 each. You dont need to go with electronic ballsts of this
calibre. You could buy a cheap magnetic ballast for $10.00 each or even some
cheap e-ballasts (dont know price but they are available, just takes some
looking around). As far as tubes go you can get these from the lighting
wholesalers as well. NEC Triphosphor HG's cost about $12 a piece or cheaper
if you buy a box load (Im talking 4ft tubes). 4 of these suckers gives you
about 160 watts. These are a great tube for the money, good with plants and
not overly bad with fish. All of this will take a bit of running around but
its worth it in the end.
Dont electricute yourself!! :-)
Andrew