If anyone is interested in building a kick-ass T5 set-up;

google Ice Cap ballast.

Ice Cap has end caps for T5, T8, T12 and two sizes of flouro ballasts that can drive any of them to VHO levels.......

and if you think a T5 HO is bright you should see one at VHO levels.

You can also use the ballasts to drive TT-105 bulbs.