Diy Vho?

[spider crab]

Is it possible put together your own VHO setup through the local Hardware store? I was wondering if they tended to carry the ballasts. I'd like to add two VHO to my canopy as cheaply as possible.
1000Bulbs seems to have ballasts dual VHO ballasts for ~$45 but they have a minimum order size of 4. The mailorder aquerium folks seem to want around $120 for them.

 

[broncofish]

While doing research I've noticed that before, because I want 4vho bulbs above my 90. I am not sure about the wiring and such, It would be great if the icecap endcaps would work, or if there was an "everything else your going to need" type kit to go along with it. Cause heck if it could be explained to me like I was a six year old than I would probably go in on it with you, then all we need is one more person to go in on it and there is are 4 ballasts.

 

[spider crab]

That might be a possibility, though I'm hoping this is something that can be picked up at a HD or maybe an Electrician supply store. I dont have any detail in wiring, so hopefully someone can cover that here. It looks like from a previous post about DIY NO lights that there are some issues with rust. I'm also not sure where to get the end caps.

 

[broncofish]

Yeah I think I could handle the rust issue by placing the ballast in in a good location next to the tank. I'm pretty sure you could use the icecap endcaps, but I would like to hear it from someone else

 

[conundrum]

The best cheap way to go is, phone book a local lighting supply. They will carry the ballast and weather resistant ends at a much lower cost. The wiring schematic is on the ballast. If you can replace a lamp chord, you should do fine. Use dielectric grease on standard ends to save even more. With the cheap tar ballast, try to mount it outside and close to bulbs, it will get very hot. Count on a muffin fan on your hood too.