Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 I know I know.. there already are a few DIY MH Pendants... but I just wanted to share my experience =) Parts List: Brinks Pendant @ Wal Mart $7.95 AstraLux 14k 70w Bulb (from a fellow NR) $40-50 70w NAiS Electronic MH Ballast $30.00 Electric Tape (free from My Garage) Wire Cutters Wire Connectors Link to comment
NanoClown Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 can u put that in words? id really like to make one for my soon to be 10g and dont want to speand alot so if you could put it in word that will be great Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 Step-by-Step 1. Install MH bulb inside of pendant (no modding required, direct fit) 2. Wire it to the ballast (read ballast diagram) 3. Wire power to the ballast (read ballast diagram)(i used a power cable for my computer) 4. Put glass shield back on. 5. Power her up and enjoy a nice tan Link to comment
Travis Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Question, where do you find a 70w NaIS MH Ballast for $30? New or Used? Link to comment
NanoClown Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 was it new or used i forgot to ask Link to comment
vapor7 Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Great DIY. Do you think this ballast will also work?Ballast Link to comment
ReefApprentice Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Is this for me?? LMK when it is ready, I am getting so ancy for my fraggy. Alex Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 I've never heard of that brand... but I'm pretty sure. Almost all electronic ballasts will power a DE HQI Bulb. But shop wise =) I always use NAiS as its top quality. BUT if you can find a eVision ballast it is the BEST! I only managed to ever get one of them and use it on my display tank (see gallary). Yes ballast do affect how the bulb burns (color, brightness, longevity) RA, yes this is yours =) I'm using a emergency spare bulb I have for my main tank (has 3 months of burn on it). But I really don't want to part with it as it's my emergency bulb incase my main dies. So I'm still waiting for my bulbs to come in for you =) Link to comment
ReefApprentice Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Woohooo!! PM me the paypal addy and price and i will send money, or address for money order Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 RA, read my edited post above yours =) Travis, I got the bulbs few months back from a buddy who ordered too many =P I'll be ordering a case of them soon so I can sell it cheap for ya guys! Also trying to get ahold of a case of Astralux MH BUlbs Link to comment
alizarin Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Great post, thanks for sharing! Can we see a shot of it on your tank? Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 Thanks! I'm always down to help out the community! =) Travis, let me know how the 10k AB looks I want PICS! I never seen the AB in action =) (and I'm damn to lazy to search) Link to comment
JeremyChase Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Great post, thanks for sharing! Can we see a shot of it on your tank? Yah! How wide/deep can a 70 watt MH be used on? -Jer Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 I'd say 20" is the most effective length this light can be used for (10g, 16g, nano cube). You'd be stretching it on a 24" (20 long). But I guess it depends on what your trying to keep =D Link to comment
Travis Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 I'll be using mine over a 29g, but along with 2x65w PCs, I should have plenty of light. Link to comment
NanoClown Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 ill be using it on my 10-12g hex not shure what size g it is Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 Great post, thanks for sharing! Can we see a shot of it on your tank? I retro'd my CurrentUSA Orbit 20" Lighting with a MH System. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera for when I did it so no pix. But I have pix of the running system =) Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 Thanks, she split 3 times.. the 3rd baby died in the powerhead though =\ Link to comment
JeremyChase Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 That is awesome.. Since I found this post an hour ago I have been searching the internet for that silly Brinks floodlight, or something similar.... Do you have any other sources for floodlights that can accept any of the standard MH bulbs? -Jer Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 I'm serious goto your Wal Mart! =D Link to comment
JeremyChase Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 I'm serious goto your Wal Mart! =DThat is the same socket used for the HQI 150W bulbs too.. My wheels are so turning on this one.. I was about to go Mogul base, but now I am looking at this option too Jer hehe Link to comment
Mirepa Posted June 30, 2006 Author Share Posted June 30, 2006 150w HQI sockets are further apart and burn hotter so those dinky sockets are only good for the 70w. For 150w sockets goto www.hellolights.com and buy the DiY MH 150w Sockets =) Link to comment
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