DIY lighting supplies

[pkellef]

FYI

I was at the Restore on Calumet by 441 in Appleton today and they have alot of supplies to make some DIY lighting for Compacts, T-5 (3500 and 4100 bulbs) and Metal Halide ballasts and reflectors. They had some 2 x 40W fixtures (CF) also.

Paul

 

[nkelr]

depends on what your trying to do. if your trying to grow corals i dont think they will work. if you just want something to light up your tank then they might. another issue is they wont be rated for aquarium use and they might not like the moisture and it might be harder to find aquarium bulbs for them. im not that in tune w\ diy lighting but im sure someone else would chime in soon

 

[kesslerkid01]

a few guys have bought stuff from there and it has worked for them if your in to diy lighting

 

[kesslerkid01]

also some plumbing stuff

 

[jandlms]

I guess if you put a good looking casing/hood around the pieces they might be okay. Most of the stuff I have seen there has been pretty rough looking.

Also. "They had some 2 x 40W fixtures (CF) also."

I thought a 40 watt fixture was standard size not CF??????This sounds more like a standard shoplight which I believe you can get new (when on sale) for around 7 or 8 bucks at home depot. I'd worry with either about moisture causing rust and possible shorts.

 

[Jhildebrand]

You don't need a fancy chassis on lights. A lot of what a fixture costs is the case. If you're talking about a refugium light or something under a canopy, just know how to wire and protect it. I've seen some nice tank pics with Ebay bulbs in an old retail store metal halide fixture. Make the connections waterproof and make sure that all parts are compatible. If you know what you're doing and what fixture types can grow plants/corals you can save quite a bit on one of the most expensive pieces of a reef. They key is knowing exactly how to DIY...