DIY it or Just Buy it!

[plaidnstripes]

I am going back and forth for several weeks trying to find a set of lights to go with my 55 Gallon rectangular tank.
So I was looking for 2 (two) 24 retrofit lights.
So I have a couple of questions...
1.) Does it take additional tools outside of the standard kit to put DIY lights together? (I.E. screwdriver, pliers, wire strippers-I do not own a lot of tools at all)
2.) DIY seems to be cheaper-worth the cost?
3.) Pretty easy to do? I am pretty tech savvy but I am not going to be cocky when it comes with electrical wiring and water.
4.) What is my goal for lighting as in watts for my size tank?
Thanks in advance! Any advice is welcome if it is going to avoid me blowing myself up loony toons style %h
-Edit- this is what I have looking at-
175-watt Complete Retrofit Kit, Coral Vue Technologies. Includes Coval Vue electronic ballast, 175-watt 14,000 K mogul base MH bulb, reflector, power cords, and connectors.

 

[scsinet]

The retro kits you buy are pretty easy to put together. You shouldn't have any trouble. Where you can save more money (but endure more technical complication) is if you actually bought raw components such as bare ballasts, etc.
Lighting systems can be very overpriced IMO. A well engineered DIY system can work just as well as a commercially made one.
The systems you mention at the end of the page should work well for your tank.

 

[plaidnstripes]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3098847
The retro kits you buy are pretty easy to put together. You shouldn't have any trouble. Where you can save more money (but endure more technical complication) is if you actually bought raw components such as bare ballasts, etc.
Lighting systems can be very overpriced IMO. A well engineered DIY system can work just as well as a commercially made one.
The systems you mention at the end of the page should work well for your tank.
Thanks!
Yeah, I was comparing two products that were alike....CF lights with MH-there was only about a four dollar difference between the two.
If I can buy the raw materials (I agree with you-lights can be so overprice IMO.) I am sure Somewhere in the world wide web or even this forum there is well planned and visual instructs on how to construct one.