metal halide please read..

[fisherson]

Ok i don't know much about metal halide but i know fitted tank lights with metal halide are expensive. but working as an electrician's apprentice i noticed that metal halide flood lights are like 200 dollars for a 400 watt system including the bulb. Is there any reason i can't just get a 250 watt MH flood light and put a uv shield and a bulb with the K rating i want?

 

[ssweet1]

I think the problem is the K rating, but maybe you have access to more bulbs being an electrician. I found out that you can make really cheap bulkheads from some of the electrical fittings (grey pvc pieces)! I am talking $2 instead of $20 for what looks like the exact same thing just different color pvc. Carrie

 

[hagfish]

There are definitely options other than lights that are made specifically for saltwater. But you will have to get a bulb with the proper kelvin rating. I believe the ANSI code will tell you what types of bulbs match the balast you have.

 

[teresaq]

I have seen mh retro kits for 159.00 for 250 wtt, and 189.00 for 400 wtt. and that included everything including bulb. Why buy something you are going to have to take apart, and buy new parts for.