[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.

Making the junp!


Bookmark and Share
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1

    Default Making the junp!

    Long time aquarium junkie in freshwater and making the jump to saltwater.

    Budget is an issue. That being said, I dont want to skimp on equipment. My goal is a reef display with a few fish. So metal halide is the option here. I dont want to spend my money on a ready made hood. I want to build my own.

    Can someone direct me to the right fixtures... ballasts and bulbs that I will need.

    Is it safe to build from wood?

    the tank i will attempt my 1st saltwater venture is 33 gallons. Is this too small?

    Its the standard 36x18x12

    ps. great site. kudos to all involved.

    thank you!

  2. #2
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
    Posts
    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default

    Welcome Aboard! You've come to the right place, many of us here are avid DIY'rs (short for cheap!) for just about everything. 33g is not too small, though smaller tanks allow for a little less room for errors, things can happen fast in smaller tanks.

    But wooden canopies are the norm for a SW tank... Half a sheet of plywood, some polyurethane (sp), and a bit of paint/stain and you'll be set. With a little ventilation they work excelently for halides.

    Do you have a particular halide in mind? I'd guess you'd want to be in the 250w range, so magnetic ballasts can found for cheap which makes them far more attractive in the $$$ department over prefab fixtures.

    Let us know what you are looking for and I'm sure we can help point you in the right directions!

    Again welcome to the salty side of the force!
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  3. #3

    Default

    Salt makes you float better....I have no idea what that has to do with anything, but it came to mind.

    I recently bought a retro fit light kit, I didn't get halides but I can recommend a good site that has some great package deals for your application. www.reefgeek.com.

    I don't know if they are still available but Davejnz had some halides for sale recently...Dave, you still got that stuff laying around collecting dust?

    Welcome to the site, you should find your stay pleasant! :D
    ...I think my fish just farted.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    Our little corner of the www.
    My Space on Myspace.com
    My Mountain Bike Team

  4. #4
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default

    welcome to CR, we are here to help. IMO if building your own hood, i would go with mogul socket MH. you might want to check out our want ad forums. there is usually a lot of nice stuff for sale there. http://www.captivereefing.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22
    or
    http://www.captivereefing.com/index2.php?
    if you need more help, give us a shout

Similar Topics

  1. Ann Arbor Reef Club We are making food!!!
    By Sir Patrick in forum Reef Clubs
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 03-06-2012, 09:56 PM
  2. Looking for info On making an Overlow box
    By Pat-O in forum DIY Projects & Plans
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 10-02-2011, 07:07 AM
  3. Large Reef Aquarium
    (91g-180g)
    my new tank..in the making
    By spookey in forum Member's Reefs
    Replies: 42
    Last Post: 10-21-2010, 06:06 PM
  4. Salt & Water Making new water.
    By MizTanks in forum Basics
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 09-05-2010, 02:16 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