DIY lighting 101

Russel P · 07-08-2007, 01:17 PM

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.

lReef lKeeper · 07-08-2007, 10:25 PM

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 ...

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

PhotoJohn · 07-09-2007, 01:10 AM

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.

lReef lKeeper · 07-09-2007, 09:16 PM

here is the actinic pic as promised ...

Russel P · 07-10-2007, 05:37 PM

Got any recommendations for a manufacturer of retro kits?

lReef lKeeper · 07-10-2007, 06:28 PM

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

lReef lKeeper · 07-10-2007, 06:30 PM

here are my lights except for the VHO retros.

PFO Lighting: Aquarium Lighting Products Home Page

Russel P · 07-10-2007, 06:50 PM

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

thecoralreefer · 08-14-2007, 03:27 PM

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.

SoCalReefer · 08-14-2007, 04:31 PM

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

thecoralreefer · 08-14-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalReefer

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

thecoralreefer · 08-14-2007, 05:30 PM

Is that pfo.com ?
i will look