xpartymonsterx Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 ok this is probably super retarded. But looking at the metal halide lamps they look just like the work lamps you pick up at wal mart. the super bright flood lights on stands. Whats the difference? could you take these out of their casings and hang them in something nice over your nano?
doctaq Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 the lamps you are looking at at home depot are probably halogens, which are very yellow, if you want to get one working for a reef, you are looking at putting a ballast in the power cord and i think a 250w DE? ive heard i think. then you will have to find a way to mount the whole thing above your tank and possibly ventilate it with a fan, there will be more details as you actually work into it, you can expect to spend like 100 bucks give or take
farkwar Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 You need a ballast for the metal halides. You could certainly use the fixture if you can hack the bulb into it. Those housings are real heavy though. And you're not really going to save any money unless you can find a really cheap ballast. They are most of the cost and shipping cost in a 'real' MH light. And I would recommend not playing around with the wiring unless you know what you are doing. You could end up with a faulty arc welder above a tank of salt water if you mess up.
j5c077 Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 also those work lights burn hotter than the fires of hell
mmelnick Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 Yep, you can get a DE halogen fixture and wire it to a MH ballast and swap out the bulb for a MH bulb appropriate to whatever wattage your new ballast will run.
gtbzz85 Posted February 17, 2010 Posted February 17, 2010 Check out my DIY Halide build... http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...p;#entry2670343 My build is probably not practical if you want anything greater than 70w, but gives you the general idea that buying a home depot "shop light", ballast, bulb, enclosure, and a couple of power cords can yield a great halide setup! I Do highly recommend the place where I got my electronic ballast, fast cheap shipping and great product. Don't electrocute yourself!
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