damn, i didnt expect so much of a response, i appreciate it....
and LIP i had no idea the center of the tube is the best, i just thought it was the coolest, i know the ends heat up quite a bit, some times i can even hit 93-95'F but i can usually keep it at a striaght 82'F

thanks for all the info, i might pick me up some CFL's, cause my plants are getting taller and i cant keep moving 3 4ft. ballasts everyday

but then again im thinking of going HID, ill post some pics and links in a minute