I'm working on my stand and canopy for the new 125 (the cabinet maker is amazing), and I need some ideas about lighting. I'm thinking 3-250 watt MHs, with 4-96 watt PC's in day and actinic. Anyone know of a kit that I could install myself? I'm pretty handy with wood, but not wires. And a regular pre-made lighting system would be a bear to tear apart, trim and install.

you could try a retro kit ... they are cheaper that a fixture and come with easy to follow directions. i run 3x250w XM10K's and 2x160w VHO actinics on my 125. let me see if i can get a pic of all lights and just the vhos for you ...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/leftof125-1.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/centerof125-1.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/rightof125.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/fulltankshot.jpg

sorry but i can find the actinic pic now ... i will get it tomarrow when the lights come back on.

I got my MH lights off ebay from a hydroponics (pot) grower. I got 400s for $125 each including shipping light and ballast. I suspend the lights from the ceiling with chain because my wife will let me but it would easily slip into a hood with a few screws. I have torn a few fixtures apart and fit them into other tanks. Wasnt to bad and you can pick um up cheap on e-bay.

here is the actinic pic as promised ...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/actinics.jpg

Got any recommendations for a manufacturer of retro kits?

i believe that mine are made by PFO. i have not 1 complaint about them.

here are my lights except for the VHO retros.

PFO Lighting: Aquarium Lighting Products Home Page (http://www.pfolighting.com/AqRetrofit.aspx)

Thanks, Bobby. I wonder if they make Solaris in a retro kit? That'd be sweet.

Hi russy
Coralife makes some nice retros that are a breeze to install
alll are prewired and have reflectors and everything
try your lfs or call me I can order it for you and send it
like Monday if you want. They usually run about 100 or so less than the whole light.

thats cool, but PFO's fixture's are only sold wholesale. Any distributers out there?

thats cool, but PFO's fixture's are only sold wholesale. Any distributers out there?
I'll check around and see what I can find

Is that pfo.com ?
i will look