To further muddy the waters ;-) have you considered a T8 balast (holds 4 - T8 bulbs)? My local lighting supply store has them for $32.00. Reading through the APD archives has convenced me to go with T8's, rather T12's or compact fluorescents. Have you scanned the archieves for compacts and T8's? It's worth a look. :-) Walter B. Klockers Washington State--Where ALL our pets get wet!