Looking for creative ideas for lighting and came across this. Will it work?

[sweatervest13]

So, I got my new 125g tank yesterday and now I am looking for lighting options.
I have a 250w MH and 4 bulb T-5 combo unit. That I think can work for the center of the tank but not the whole thing. I have a friend that has an old HPS light. It is a 430w son agro High Pressure Sodium light. He has the ballast and hood but not the bulb.
So my question is: Can I use the ballast and hood and convert it to MH??? Or, at least can I use the hood and get a new MH ballast.
I really don't want to spend much money on lighting as I am saving up for some LED's but need something to light the tank in the mean time. Heck with prices the way they are with LED's it might take me two years to save the like $3500.00 for a decent unit.
What about just a bunch of T-5's. Can I piece together some T5's with the combo unit I have already?
Let me know what you think!
Thanks
Ryan

 

[acrylic51]

Find out what type of ballast is in the fixture.....A good DIY Led build surely won't cost you $3500.00

 

[sweatervest13]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///forum/thread/386192/looking-for-creative-ideas-for-lighting-and-came-across-this-will-it-work#post_3390868
Find out what type of ballast is in the fixture.....A good DIY Led build surely won't cost you $3500.00

I can find out what kind of ballast it is.
Your are assuming that I am capable of doing a good DIY LED build. LOL
No really, I think that might be a bit out of my skill set. I am at my limits almost with building a stand and setting up the plumbing in the new 125g.
But... We will see how this goes. I can feel my confidence building as I move along. Just for kicks. How much would I be looking at $$ wise to do a good DIY Led build on a 125g?? I would want it to be everything I would ever need type set up.
I will get back to you on the ballast thing.
Thanks

 

[acrylic51]

A lot of variables to put a price tag on...depending on LEDS used, material used for heat sinks, and drivers can alter the price, but honestly you'd be way under $3500.

 

[2quills]

Could do a nice build for around $1200'ish.