cloons411 Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I built it inside of a power supply for a computer. I had to remove one of the fans and the other isn't hooked up yet. I opted to put it in there so i had an on/off switch and my power in already wired in. No bulb yet so i can't fire it, they are in the mail. LMK what you think. Link to comment
Kdyarb2002 Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 ????????? I dont see it, i mean i see the picture i just don't see the built in fixture. I see one next to a power supply or is that two power supplys side by side and one is for reference. please elaborate or post better pics for explanation. interesting idea Link to comment
evilc66 Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 The ballast is in the PC power supply housing. cloons411, nice first post. Link to comment
Kdyarb2002 Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Ohhh Now i get it! I thought.....well never mind what i thought. Thanks Evil. Excellent idea! Link to comment
John_A Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Can u post a parts list and directions? Being a computer geek/repair tech I got plenty of spare Power supplys laying around! geat idea! Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Can u post a parts list and directions? Being a computer geek/repair tech I got plenty of spare Power supplys laying around! geat idea! List of materials: #gem70mltlc3d-5 ballast (obtained locally) $45 300w shop light $10 HD extension cord (I used black for looks) $6 70w MH DE bulb (of your choice) $20 (test light) wire nuts $2 Power supply Free (came w/ pc tower) Directions: Remove useless crap from the light being converted Cut end off extension cord and wire accordingly Remove guts from power supply Insert/wire ballast and accessories Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Once i figured out the wiring it took me about 20 minutes to wire and assemble. Link to comment
Phixion Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Wiring is pretty straight forward. Good thread though on your personal DIY of this setup. I have a similar over my 10g custom AIO tank. Couple pics of it too in my tank thread. Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 I just wired a 12v in to the fans, hopefully heat wont be too big of a problem now. Link to comment
John_A Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 I have a AP24 Would one of these be a good solution to wanting to trade PC stock lighting for MH? Maybe make 2 together Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 16, 2009 Author Share Posted March 16, 2009 Fire-up Bad FTS shot Link to comment
becact Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 nice job! I wonder how the work lamp reflector compares to the usual aquarium MH reflectors. Link to comment
BioReeFDude Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 so thats the ballast from the shop light in the power supply housing Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 The ballast is from graybar, its a metal halide ballast. there was no ballast that came with the shoplight. so thats the ballast from the shop light in the power supply housing Link to comment
Phixion Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 so thats the ballast from the shop light in the power supply housing Shop lights don't have ballasts, they are halogen... Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 Shop lights don't have ballasts, they are halogen... exactly Link to comment
Phishman80 Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 I built it inside of a power supply for a computer. I had to remove one of the fans and the other isn't hooked up yet. I opted to put it in there so i had an on/off switch and my power in already wired in. No bulb yet so i can't fire it, they are in the mail. LMK what you think. So if i was to do this is there a different type of ballast for an HQI bulb or the traditional mogul type bulb.Or does it not matter as long as the wattages match up. And did u have to modify the socket to the hold the Mh bulb or did it just clip right in place.I really like this idea because i can save a lot of money by doing this myself.I might have to use a metal electric box to mount the ballast in and include a fan 4 ventilation but it's still the same principal.. Link to comment
Phishman80 Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 Would this setup work if I used a 150wt HQI MH bulb instead of the 70wt? I figured that the as long as the ballast wattage matched the bulb then im ok...just wondered about the heat of the bulb in the fixture but the halogen was a 300wt which should produce quite a bit of heat as well. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 It would work, just make sure to get a power supply case with enough room to hold the ballast guts, OR just buy an enclosed electronic ballast to start with ? Link to comment
cloons411 Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 nice i need to make me one Well get to it! Link to comment
agibby5 Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Looks like some good info here, but the pics are all messed up. Link to comment
redfishsc Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'm trying to figure out WTH the pics are all about, too. Apparently he's disguised his wiring by using native flora. Link to comment
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