[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last
Results 1 to 10 of 21
  1. #1
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
    Posts
    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.

    Okay since we now have a camera that actually works here's my DIY Halogen worklight to 70w Metal Haide Conversion.
    There really isn't much to it, so I didn't take everything apart to replicate the creation.

    Started with a Home Depot 500w hologen Regent worklight, seen here with all the assorted pieces I removed.
    2kf7d3634ce6 - DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.

    All those brackets and the heat shield went stright to the junk bin. Removed the halogen lamp and replaced it with an Astralux 14K 70W MH bulb instead. They are a direct fit so no hacking needed on the lanp holder.
    2k7214541548 - DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.

    Wired in a Fulham HH-MH-120-70-C ballast into the little waterproof enclosure box between the power source and the bulb

    2k2a599958fa - DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.
    I drilled some holes large enough for the wiring to fit through, they'll be sealed with silicon before put to use.

    2ka9519210f5 - DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.

    And there you have it... simple as pie... forgot I need to get rid of that stupid sticker

    2ka1c2bfafac - DIY 70w Metal Halide Pendant.

    The only left to do is fashion a bracket to attach the ballast to the new pendant and add some S hooks and chain to suspend it from my shelf.

    The lighting pattern from the dimpled reflector is very focused and concentrated, I'll post some more pictures of it fired up as soon as I'm ready to get the nano wet.
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  2. #2
    jerryc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    1,345

    Default

    Looks good
    Just one suggestion id drill some openings in top or back to let some heat out
    I HAVE A PROBLEM' I'M ADDICTED TO MICROMUSSA

    RazorBack Reef. com
    keepersofthereef.com
    http://www.captivereefing.ws/weblog.php?w=7

  3. #3
    Whoyah - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    1,267

    Default

    Looks good. How much do you think this project costs?

  4. #4
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
    Posts
    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default

    The worklight is $25-30, the bulb I got from Perpetual ($50 think he's still got a few more), the ballast I used is the real killer... the Fulham electronic ballast runs about $110, but I found a few Advance magetic's retailing for $46, so they may be found even cheaper. The work light's glass is already treated to filter UV, so it works out great for HQI bulbs.

    The neat thing with the project is that with a little modification to expand the lamp holder you can fit 150 and 250 watt HQI's in there. The dimpled reflector really surprised me, the focusing of the light is much better than a smooth reflector, less restrike between the bulb and reflector.

    As Jerry mentioned some ventilation would need to be incorporated for larger than 70w, with the 70 it gets pretty warm after a couple hours, but since it's designed to handle a 500w halogen bulb I think the 70w isn't an issue. If I can get my hands on a pair of M80 ballasts I want to build a pair of the 250's for our frag tank.
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  5. #5
    flame - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    189

    Default

    Very nice project dude. Looking foward to seeing it in action
    It is our responsibilities, not ourselves, that we should take seriously.

  6. #6
    jerryc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    1,345

    Default

    If someone else is interested in doing it i bought a ballast for the one i did a couple years ago on eBay for $20.00 and still see them on their from time to time.
    worked good but not as good a ballast as dakar got.
    I HAVE A PROBLEM' I'M ADDICTED TO MICROMUSSA

    RazorBack Reef. com
    keepersofthereef.com
    http://www.captivereefing.ws/weblog.php?w=7

  7. #7
    flame - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    189

    Default

    Jerry which ballast are you talking about?
    It is our responsibilities, not ourselves, that we should take seriously.

  8. #8
    jerryc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    1,345

    Default

    Flame i just went to eBay and don't see one right at the time and don't remember the brand but it was a off brand.
    Ill keep watch and post if i see some of them.
    I do no it was a electronic ballast
    I HAVE A PROBLEM' I'M ADDICTED TO MICROMUSSA

    RazorBack Reef. com
    keepersofthereef.com
    http://www.captivereefing.ws/weblog.php?w=7

  9. #9

    Default

    I've still got a couple bulbs left and I'll give people deals on them from Captive Reefing.
    120G Reef and 40B reef at work, 120G tank dry and dirty in the garage.

  10. #10

    Default

    mb im stupid but why the new ballast and not the normal bulb Im going to add some metal halide to my tank and looking for the best and cheapest way

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Last

Similar Topics

  1. JBJ K-2 Viper 70W Metal Halide
    By REEF240 in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-07-2013, 08:01 PM
  2. Ice Cap 175 Metal Halide Ballast
    By REEF240 in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-07-2013, 07:51 PM
  3. SPS/metal Halide$$$
    By AquaSquid in forum Small Polyp Stoney (SPS) Coral
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-28-2006, 01:40 PM
  4. SPS Corals SPS/metal Halide$$$
    By AquaSquid in forum Coral Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-28-2006, 01:40 PM
  5. Lighting Metal Halide
    By Tom McKenna in forum Hardware
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-15-2005, 09:33 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us