Not to burst your bubble, but stay away from the jebo lights! I bought a double 36" T-5 Fixture brand new on ----. Only cost me $40.00 I thought hey, what they heck. Two things with these lights..
1- the lights are not as intense as higher end T-5's Very disapointing! It didn't even seem like they made any type of difference at all. They were less intense than a PC bulb half the wattage????
2- After runing the lights for two days, my MAIN breaker popped! The balast was so hot and stinky, it would not restart. SHOT! My living room smelled for two days like something had caught fire.. To close to call for a $40 fixture???? If I wasn't home at the time, God only knows what could have happened...
You really can't skimp on your system, skimmer, lights pumps etc... If you're wife is going to give you some cash, see if you can buy a used one on here or another site that for that matter. I sold a 192 watt Orbit PC light after 6 months of use for $150.00. I paid $240 new. So it can be done.
I just think for the money you are going to spend, you would be happier buying a better fixture. Current, Satelite and what not. I hope I did not offend you. I was once in your shoes and know what its like to have low funds. I then realized, I need to spend some cash upfront to have the better lights. You will thank yourself in the end..
As another person stated, try to get a nice VHO retro, The VHO's will put out alot more light vs the T-5 and look sweet!
Just my 2 cents?
Good luck and research what ever it is you are going to buy!!!!!!
Spankey