custom built lighting systems

[mx mr bean]

if i am willing to build a custom lighting system would it save me alot of money? if so can anyone help me out with like some directions or items to buy like sockets for bulbs etc.
thanks

 

[good alex]

i would also like to build custom lights for my tank! say mx where in WPB do u live? lol

 

[mx mr bean]

btw folks i did not mean to sound like i am asking for money but just for some directions or advice from someone who has done this before.

 

[scsinet]

That's good, because the mods will shut you down real quick for selling services on this site.
But you didn't come across that way to me

Yes, you can save a lot of money. My most elaborate lighting setup is on my reef tank, it's (2) 175w metal halides with (2) 54w T5 Actinic 03 lamps. I built everything on it, including a custom microprocessor based controller, for about $300. $100 of that is the microprocessor board and LCD module.
We aren't allowed to link here, but I can point you in a direction... click on my username and visit my homepage. Go to the DIY section. At the top of the page there is a "DIY Suppliers" link. Also check out the Links on the left hand nav menu, and also go to the 55 reef and click on Halide Smart Canopy if you want to check out the lighting system I was talking about.

 

[mx mr bean]

haha whew. but uhh wow thats amazing that it was 300 dollars. i spent 350 dollars on a 48in. T5 Nova Extreme with two 54 watt blue actinics, two 10,000k 54 watts and 4 luner lights(for my 90 gallon reef tank. but i am very interested in metal halides and saving big money for mor light power

 

[scsinet]

I forgot to figure the halide bulbs when I gave that number, so add about $150 to that, but even still, it's a decent deal.

 

[mx mr bean]

ya definitaly with out a doubt.