I went from the T5 to using 3 -1,000 HPS. The HPS does do a nice job but in the summer months here, even with AC and enclosed fixtures with an intake and an exhaust fan the heat build up is more that I want. I suppose I could use bigger AC but as it is the electric bill is just to much and I hate to have a bigger footprint. It is hard enough explaining why an empty building is using $250 +.

Since I am still in the process of building a new grow room and summer is about here I am going to use my T5 DIY fixtures and augment some with T8s.

You don't happen to know where you read the info on rewiring to overdrive those lamps do you because I would try it.