Bulbs and Sockets

shiftyfatdwarf · #1 04/05/2007, 03:57 PM

I am building my owm lighting system. i have two 250w ballasts with caps and starters but i don't know what or where i can get bulbs and sockets. if anyone could help i need it. im new to this so plz help.
there is also a pic of my powderd blue tang

BurntOutReefer · #2 04/05/2007, 04:24 PM

what type of bulbs are you going to use? sounds like its a magnetic system, if so, what type of ballast(make and model) as some can drive HQI along with SE's.....

shiftyfatdwarf · #3 04/06/2007, 10:21 AM

i don't have a make and model i get the ballasts from the place i work at. whats hqi and se's i new and don't understand. it is a magnetic ballast that i know

BurntOutReefer · #4 04/06/2007, 11:51 AM

Your answer's are in your other post under same Title....

rustybucket145 · #5 04/06/2007, 12:00 PM

SE= single ended bulb, just like a regular light bulb
DE= Double ended bulb, just like a Halogen lamp

You can get the SE sockets from any electrical supply house for around $5/ea. They are the same for almost all MH, High Pressure Sodium and Mercury Vapor bulbs so the socket in general is considered universal. The bulbs need to be aquarium bulbs in the 10k-20k range I personally prefer 14k b/c of the color of light it puts off. Your cheapest option is going to be on ebay just make sure the bulbs you are buying are new and not used (they are only good for about a year). They will run you around $30/ea on ebay and $70/ea if you get them from an aquarium supply place. There is some argument over the quality difference but I run the $30 bulbs and have just as good, if not better coral growth/color than people running the high dollar bulbs.

six.line · #6 04/06/2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

There is some argument

Very often fueled by the idea that if it's more money it has to be better.

I second the ebay option. I got my bulkheads on ebay with dire warnings from fellow aquarists here and I've had zero problems.

Good luck.

shiftyfatdwarf · #7 04/06/2007, 06:35 PM

thx rusty bucket so far you are the one to help me understand. the polls say that i should go to ebay sounds like a good choice. one step to my home made lighting system.

so far at cost zero. the only thing i will have to buy is the bulbs!!!
hahahahaha i love my job.

let me know if anyone needs ballasts, caps, starters, and bulbs cause i can get 'em

shiftyfatdwarf · #8 04/06/2007, 06:37 PM

oopps change that not bulbs sockets. i can get ballasts, caps, starters, and SOCKETS!!