$100 250w MH

fender

fender

Active Member
Just thought I would share this with everyone.
<a href="http://www.rpi.edu/dept/union/aquarium/public_html/DIY_MH.html" target="_blank">$100 250W MH</a>
I have this setup over my tank for about 6 months now and am very happy.
For those looking to get MH cheap, it is a great way to go.
 
reeferx

reeferx

Member
Damn that's pretty sweet for the price. The spectrum off that 6500k is definately better than my old one. Thanks Rich. I just bookmarked it. :cool:
 
fender

fender

Active Member
I am pretty happy with it. If you shop around you can actually get the price to about $80.
HelloLights - $55 for Iwasaki bulb
Sockets $5
Wiring $2 (old cord = free)
Ballast $25
Any metal box will work for a housing - I used a KVM switch for a computer.
 
fender

fender

Active Member
At your local Graybar. Part#71A3802-600 Advance ballast. It is explained in the link above.
I bought two and the cost with tax/shipping was $52+ change.
 
dirtybilge

dirtybilge

Member
Thanks soo much for sharing that add with as poor folk we need more of theise adds on this board! <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />
 
herbert4

herbert4

Member
Hey Golfish,
What is a PFO balast and where can I get one, Is it better to buy that one or to build it as mentioned above? I am putting together a 125gal saltwater tanks and building everyting else. I plan to use 3 - 250watt MH with VHO actinic and am planning to build the hood to hang above my tank. And BTW your link doesn't work.
Thanks
Kirk
 
fender

fender

Active Member
No offense golfish, but the $80-90 savings going this way is worth it to me. Every dollar counts in my book and I always try to do it the best way for the least $$$. The MV ballasts actually light up the IWASAKIs better than a MH ballast (exception being the magnetic) as seen here
<a href="http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/b/sbj4/aquarium/ballast%20comparison/ballast-comparison.html" target="_blank">Spectral Analysis of various ballasts</a>
As far as the extra cost for a housing, switch, cord - This can all be had for less than the shipping cost of the PFO ballast.
This is the DIY section, and most ppl here are looking for a cheaper alternative.
I looked into the PFO setup MANY times - and it is a good deal, but that extra $80 was too much for me. If I had decided to go with a different bulb, then this would have been the way to go.
 
fender

fender

Active Member
Two Advance ballasts - $52
Housing Mine was free but lets say - $10
Cords/plugs - $10
Total Cost - $72
Satisfaction of DIY - Pricele$$
I did not use a switch - have mine plugged in a timer
PFO = $143
Difference $71
($80 was considering I recycled a box)
Both ballasts still require the purchase of reflectors, moguls, and bulbs.
 
david s

david s

Member
i am geting ready to go mh and would need 2/250
the only thing that worrys me is making the reflectors may be tuff bending them to look like ur pic and mounting the ends to the alumin i am intereasted tho and am pretty good at makin stuff plus makin stuff for my tank is a fun part of hobbie but i am woried about that part
 
ren

ren

Member
not sure what a guy at a metal shop would charge for something like that ... maybe 5-10 bucks? might be worth looking into -just a thought.
 
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