DIY metal halide!

[hangner]

thought i would share this link about making ur own metal halides
tons of info and this is a possibility to save major cash

http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/b/sbj4/aquarium/mh/mhlighting.html

 

[rallysman]

I did something similar to that when I used to use it as a light for photos. I'll dig it out and post it some time. (it's very very ugly, but I could make it decent lol)

 

[portabuddy]

i basicly did the same thing with florecent lights, and that tank is going to get turned into a SW setup and is going to need more lighting
(all the pics are in the cichlid lights thing in my sig.)

 

[Potts050]

Be advised that HID (high intensity discharge ) produces a lot of heat. If you build one yourself have it approved by a certified approval agency. If you burn your house down and the source of ignition is traced to your light fixture, you may have issues with your insurance company and your conscience.
In any case, it is an offence under the Electricity Act (RSO 1999) within the province of Ontario to use or sell any unapproved electrical equipment.