Dang it! Another question about (T5) light.

[FinnBar]

i'm no ross but here's my two cents worth

Because the "flourescent" scale cannot accommodate a rating higher than 1000, I HAVE TO move to the sun/HID scale.

i'd say you're right, it's probably just switching to smaller scale.
i know some light meters have an option to measure UV-rays as well but i don't think that's the case here. those meters are usually way more expensive..

the light meter should give you good indication for placing your plants. distance isn't everything though, it's also about how high light lovers provide shadier conditions for lower light ones.
some of your setup would be nice!