MH conversion

[kysmith]

OK guys I can't take it anymore I'm going MH, I'm looking to do this cheap does anyone local have a 175 or a 250 setup they're trying to get rid of? Or any advice on where to get the best prices?

Thanks,
Kyle

[manderx]

the cheapest way to do it new is to get a spider reflector for $30, a bare magnetic ballast for $60 and stick it in an ammo box or something. then figure $60 for a bulb. diyreef and hellolights are good places. you can also probably get the ballast from a local electric supply place to save on shipping- cambria is my favorite and is where i got a 175w ballast a few years ago for cheap. read this: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=201570 for part numbers to ask for (Mxx).

20K XM and 14K hamilton seem to be really nice bulbs for the money, and won't overpower a 29 or require actinics. i'd lean heavily towards 250w.

[JNG567]

dont get a electronic ballast from DIYreef they really suck, its a good deal but it turns out you get what you pay for.

[manderx]

yeah, if you go electronic, get icecap or sls only- no no-names. but i figured since you were doing this on the cheap that you would go magnetic.

if you are getting the ballast local, i'd get the diyreef reflector since it comes with the wires. the hellolights doesn't. but if you get the ballast online, get both the ballast and reflector from hellolights to save on shipping (i'm assuming), and then get the wire from lowes off a bulk spool. or you could use an old heavy-duty extension cord.

[kysmith]

OK cool I'm wanting to do 250's bc the prices are so similar and when I upgrade to a bigger tank in a couple of years it'll go nicely on a 75 or something similar. Unfortunately this project probably won't be a reality until after Xmas, but it never hurts to plan ahead...

[hokiefish]

I just did this exact thing to my 29 and love the change. I got a spider reflector (or comparable) and after trimming fit it into a custom canopy. Your welcome to check it out sometime. Do you guys know if a 250W will run a lot hotter than a 175W? I saw a post by a guy with a 29 w/ 250W MH and he said he had heat issues with a canopy like mine.

Asta pasta,
Ian

[kysmith]

yeah i'd like to come by after t-giving break, I've been wanting to see your tank anyways.

kyle

[jfloydr]

I got the 250w Hamilton 14k bulb here
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=lt-rmhb-25
and the spider reflector here(the 12 inch)
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=lt-rmhb-25
Great looking stuff, not hooked up yet, but great prices.

[Charlie Davidson]

Before you buy new- Pm me- as of right now, (used) I have 2-250 mh ballast, 1- 250w 10k aqualine bulb and a (White/yellow)5,500k bulb. I also have a 175 ballast, 175 13k hamiton bulb- 2months old. you will need reflecter. Hellolights .com @ $30 I know Matt and Wildthing, have my only daughter at TECH, no raw deals. Only happy to help- if I can!

[Charlie Davidson]

check out richmond reef club, sundragon is selling his 175s, ballast/bulbs and reflecters.

[kysmith]

thanks I'll check it out