diy parts list

[reefpaddler]

I am planning on building a hood for a 55gal aquarium with halides and pc's. I have a pc light fixture on it now that I will take apart and use as pc lighting but what pars exactly will I need for the halides? And could you recommend low cost decent quality parts and where to shop. Thanx

[Sefu]

I'm not the person to give advice on this, I will leave that up to the pros..

I just want to wish you some good luck !!

hopefully you won't need it :wink:

[FishinInTheDark]

When I next order lighting/lighting parts, it will be from this company. I have not used them before, but I wanted to pass along what looks like good quality for great prices. I'm sure that they could help with how to install their retro kits, but I think it's pretty much a plug and play deal.

http://www.aquauniverse.com/

GL!

[maxwellwhothunk]

personally I go through various companies including www.businesslights.com www.hellolights.com and graybar.

[specsgirl]

hellolights.com is a good place to get parts from.
Mh lighting is pretty simple. You need a ballast, a cord, and a socket and reflector of some kind. There are two types of ballasts the magnetic and the pulse start. It's up to you to decide which to go with. Some bulbs will not work on some of the ballasts and vice versa. Hopefully this will help you some.

[reefpaddler]

Well decided to go with Aquatic Technologies http://www.aquatictech.com/internet_specials.html
I got the dual 250w hamilton retrofit for 224.99 + 37 in shipping. The shipping sounded high to me but will check the box when it comes in to see how much was actually paid for shipping. Will let everyone know how the transaction went.

[specsgirl]

actually that isn't that bad for shipping. Those ballasts are really heavy and now with the gas prices still being up there, shipping costs are much higher. Plus you also have to consider that it costs companies to box up your product also.