those window installations are no longer available, it seems. they are not terribly expensive to operate, as I recall, but since I can't find one.............

the newer units are possibly even cheaper to run, but there would be no air exchange.

I'm encouraged that you think switching to T-5's could be a way to go. I'm not getting a lot of support on that, though.

in the next couple of days, I'll post pictures of the HPS fixture I'm using. I don't think it's adaptable to running a 'cool tube'. it's an outdoor spot light.

adding a top T-5 light (and killing the HPS) would cool the room off incredibly, but I'll load those up with warm light bulbs, I think.

portable A/C units make no sense to me, besides being more expensive than installed units. they've got to dissapate heat back into the same room they are trying to cool. that seems self-defeating.

Sunday is a day with the wife (tomorrow) but Monday, after taking and posting pictures, I'll see if I can bastardize my back up fixture and move that ballast to outside the room. I've put off that option as long lengths of wire decrease amperage to the unit. to relocate the ballast, it will require it to be moved some 6-10 meters and I'm not sure what the effect will be. I'm also skeptical if it will really make any difference to the temps in the room.

no matter what, I appreciate your attention to my issues.