DIY lighting

beedyb220 · 06/10/2007, 06:04 PM

Has anyone created their own lighting for their tank? How involved was it? I have read a few articles on people creating Metal Halide lighting. I own a 55g and would like to know how much light I would need for an anemone.

Young Frankenstein · 06/10/2007, 09:07 PM

In my 3 tanks I designed my own lighting. A 75,20,10 All have MH. Building the box and installing the ballasts remote was the biggest job. Cost was about 40% but alot of labor. At the end you have something custom made that works exactly the way you want it. If you got the skills go for it is definably worth it. Do step 1) build a box for your fish tank about 10" high and install a computer fan for exhaust. Reflectors you can make your own by getting skylight reflectors from the windows section of home depot. I will check this thread to see if you have any more questions and I am willing to help you out.

beedyb220 · 06/18/2007, 01:40 AM

Do you have any pics of your MH fixtures? How did you go about determing the bulb and ballast needed?

Thanks
Bryan N

murfman · 06/18/2007, 03:31 AM

Bryan, pm Deuce67 or normanViking in SCMAS, they both have built their own MH lights and reflectors.

beedyb220 · 06/18/2007, 08:45 AM

Thanks Murf. I will try that

06/10/2007, 06:04 PM	#1
beedyb220 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 157	DIY lighting Has anyone created their own lighting for their tank? How involved was it? I have read a few articles on people creating Metal Halide lighting. I own a 55g and would like to know how much light I would need for an anemone.

06/18/2007, 08:45 AM	#5
beedyb220 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 157	Thanks Thanks Murf. I will try that

06/10/2007, 09:07 PM	#2
Young Frankenstein Moved On Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami Florida. Posts: 3,842	In my 3 tanks I designed my own lighting. A 75,20,10 All have MH. Building the box and installing the ballasts remote was the biggest job. Cost was about 40% but alot of labor. At the end you have something custom made that works exactly the way you want it. If you got the skills go for it is definably worth it. Do step 1) build a box for your fish tank about 10" high and install a computer fan for exhaust. Reflectors you can make your own by getting skylight reflectors from the windows section of home depot. I will check this thread to see if you have any more questions and I am willing to help you out.

06/18/2007, 01:40 AM	#3
beedyb220 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 157	Do you have any pics of your MH fixtures? How did you go about determing the bulb and ballast needed? Thanks Bryan N

06/18/2007, 03:31 AM	#4
murfman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,670	Bryan, pm Deuce67 or normanViking in SCMAS, they both have built their own MH lights and reflectors.