AJP's 10 gallon with DIY

[AJP]

Ok well to start with here is the plan. Standard 10 gallon with a 70w metal halide no skimmer just live rock and water movement from some korali nano's.

Ok well I refused to pay an arm and a leg for a 70w metal halide pendant so I made one.

I used a brinks Home security light. $10

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank001Large.jpg

A 70w Metal halide ballast $30

http://www.ballastwise.com/item.asp?PID=112&FID=17&level=1

El cheapo ebay 14k bulb $18

http://cgi.ebay.com/70-W-14K-HQI-DE-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120287044805QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120287044805&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

A black extension cord, a black add on cord, a breaker box, a switch, eyebolt, hook, picture hanging wire from Home depot. $25

Total $83

Fairly easy to do, you gut the fixture leaving just the end caps, reflector, and glass.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank006Large.jpg

I went fancy here and cut the end from the extentsion cord so I could use it as a quick disconnect. I wired the male end to the end caps in the pendant. I wired the female end to the output of the ballast. I then used the power cord and wired it to the 10v input of the ballast. I stuffed the ballast and all the wires in the breaker box and put in a switch cause again why half *** a great project.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank014Large.jpg

I then ran the picture hanging wire through 2 holes i drilled in the pendant, and up to the eyebolt a screwed into my ceiling. And that is about it. Looks half way professional and it actually works.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank009Large.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank013Large.jpg

Ok so I hope that made sense I missed some pictures but if needed I can explain further or take more pics.

So as of now that is where I am. I have the light hung, and sand in the tank. I just hooked up my new RO/DI filter and will start making water Sunday when I am off to fill this and get it salty. I already have a heater and stuff but I need to pain the back of the tank quick and then we will be ready for water.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Tank012Large.jpg

[CSUPUEBLOTIM]

Nice. Looks sweet so far. Keep us updated with pictures.

[Mikes_aquatics]

you know i was thinking about doing the same but i didnt think it would work!

[Nano Chris]

Looks really good, saved money wit the lighting.

[AwkwardParrot]

nice MH!

[AJP]

Well thanks to Ricksreefs the rock came in today. I have to say this rock is amazing. Very purple, very light, very porous, and very well packed. Also please excuse my crappy pictures as I am getting back into the swing of reef photo taking.


Packaged
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock001.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock002.jpg

Just the rock
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock003.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock004.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock005.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock006.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock007.jpg

[AJP]

Front
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock011.jpg

Ricer Angle
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock012.jpg

Left Side
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock013.jpg

Right Side
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock014.jpg

Top Down
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Rock015.jpg

[kenny77]

Nice lighting. I was planning on using this http://www.atlaslightingsupply.com/9floodwslipfitter.html since it come already with the ballast. but your seem to work well and it even cheaper.

is there any way you can make like a diagram so I can see and understand better the conection

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13057012#post13057012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenny77
Nice lighting. I was planning on using this http://www.atlaslightingsupply.com/9floodwslipfitter.html since it come already with the ballast. but your seem to work well and it even cheaper.

is there any way you can make like a diagram so I can see and understand better the conection

I'll see what I can do.

[kenny77]

thanks

[Reefer07]

Very innovative with the light. I don't know how long you have had it running or if you have had any problems yet but I would just be careful as far as a fire hazard. I know people have encountered problems such as this when buying stuff off ebay.

[is_that_a_fish]

wow. looks good. im also setting up a ten gallon. just finished cycling. im using PC's and DIY rock.

you rock looks very good too. nice and purple.

are you going to run any filtration, or just LR and LS?

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13057556#post13057556 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefer07
Very innovative with the light. I don't know how long you have had it running or if you have had any problems yet but I would just be careful as far as a fire hazard. I know people have encountered problems such as this when buying stuff off ebay.

:rolleyes: There is no fire hazard here. I used heavy gauge insulated wire and high temp wire nuts. Also the light was originally designed to hold a 400w bulb now it has a 70w bulb.

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13057012#post13057012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenny77
Nice lighting. I was planning on using this http://www.atlaslightingsupply.com/9floodwslipfitter.html since it come already with the ballast. but your seem to work well and it even cheaper.

is there any way you can make like a diagram so I can see and understand better the conection

Very crappy diagram hope it makes sense.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/ballast.jpg

[kenny77]

Nice. thanks. Any update?

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097818#post13097818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kenny77
Nice. thanks. Any update?

Not much to update. I am doing a 4 hour light cycle and weekly 3 gallon water changes. I'm gonna give the tank plenty of time to cycle, once I am sure the cycle is over I'll add a small cleanup crew. Then maybe 1 or 2 fish and maybe a cleaner shrimp. It will probably 2 months till I add the first coral, want to make sure everything is stable and water quality can be controlled.

[JLAURIA751]

looks good! did you use the brinks light as a reflector that is powered by a seperate ballast? and do you need a specifec type of ballast for saltwater? or can you use any MH ballast. I was thinking of doing the same thing but don't know how 2 go about doing it do you have any links 2 other threads that can help? Is the ac/dc converter in the ballst?

[AwkwardParrot]

you need a ballast that can power whatever bulb your using!

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13103669#post13103669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JLAURIA751
looks good! did you use the brinks light as a reflector that is powered by a seperate ballast? and do you need a specifec type of ballast for saltwater? or can you use any MH ballast. I was thinking of doing the same thing but don't know how 2 go about doing it do you have any links 2 other threads that can help? Is the ac/dc converter in the ballst?

You need a ballast to fire a metal halide bulb. Any ballast will work as long as it is rated to run the bulb your attempting to fire. Not sure what else you need help with but ask your questions I am sure we can answer them. Also there is no AC/DC converter, just a ballast in a box to keep it looking clean.

[is_that_a_fish]

hey man, im also setting up a ten gallon and was thinking of doing the same sort of thing for my lights, but was wondering what would happen if you just up the MH light in the halogen fixture?

[AJP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13111186#post13111186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by is_that_a_fish
hey man, im also setting up a ten gallon and was thinking of doing the same sort of thing for my lights, but was wondering what would happen if you just up the MH light in the halogen fixture?

You would fry the bulb instantly as a ballast is required for metal halide bulbs.

[JaredWaites]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13106150#post13106150 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AJP
Any ballast will work as long as it is rated to run the bulb your attempting to fire.

Just because the bulb and ballast say 70 watts doesn't mean any ballast will fire the bulb either. There are pulse start ballasts, probe start...etc.

Like with HPS lamps they use the same ballast as a metal halide but without the capacitor.

[jervismun]

Wow! Your live rocks are TOP GRADE!!!

[AJP]

Ok folks time for a little bit of an update. I was unhappy with the light and changed to a Coralife 96w powerquad fixture.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Fishtank001.jpg

A new "full" tank shot, adding a clean up crew today or tomorrow. And fish a few days after that.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n348/ajps10/Fishtank002.jpg

[scottallert]

what was wrong with the diy light, i was thinking of making one?

[AJP]

Nothing was wrong with it, I just didn't like the bulb color and a new bulb was gonna cost more than this light. If you want to buy mine I'll let it go fairly cheap

[flamethis]

Nice tank, the rock is wicked. I'm planning the same light for mine i was thinking a 14 or maybe a 20k bulb..
What bulb is in yours? I'd buy it up but I'm in Canada and it wouldn't be cheap anymore once the shipping was figured in..

[AJP]

The metal halide is a 14k bulb, the powerquad is a 50/50 actinic 10k

[kfennell]

Thanks for scamming me on the DIY MH light. He wired it wrong when it came to me, didn't say anything like "I rewired it but DIDNT TEST IT" Maybe have a look. It wreced an electrical socket in my house and blew the bulb at least so im out $20 for a new one. When I asked him to make good he says "Why and how should I make this right" and says its my fault.

Thanks

[AJP]

I wont start an argument here, but the truth is I asked how and why I should fix it and he immediately filed a paypal complaint. It is now out of my hands to do anything. I never meant to "scam" anyone, I have over 200 positive feedback on ebay and no negative, and I am a verified paypal user with a score over 130. I doubt that I would scam someone over $60.

[kfennell]

you did not ask oh how can I fix that for you you asked Why is that my problem and told me I should have checked the wiring.

[AJP]

For those that care paypal sided with me.

[AJP]

Ok everyone I need a little input. I havent done much with the tank lately as I have been waiting for a few things to happen. The purchase of a home and a long awaited raise, well both have happened and I move in in the morning.

So here is what I need help with. Should I stick with the tank as is and put some money into making it perfect with a fuge and what have you. Or should I pony up the cash and get a 75 with dual metal halides and a fuge sump but will have to use base rock to fill it and will have to grow out small frags gotten on the cheap from fellow reefers. Input either way is wanted.

Oh and I got a digital rebel, should be arriving in the mail in a few days so once i figure out how to use it pictures should be much much better. Any DSLR tips are welcome.

[SpinningHat]

DSLR tips - Check the photography forum, and READ THE MANUAL! The Rebel is a great camera and can take great pictures, even in auto mode. But - with this kind of subject, you're going to need a little better mastery of photography to get great pictures. I don't have any specific Rebel things you can do, as I'm more of a Nikon guy.

As far as the tank - Maybe finish the 10g, and then later work on buying the components for the 75? Then you'll have some frags of your own to grow into a bigger tank.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Hey! It's Adam!

I say go big. Lots more room. Keep the 10 as a frag tank.

[reeftrinh]

i have a 10 gallon nano reef tank like this tank. i have had it up and running for the past 2 months and recently have had more sucess. these tanks are really hard to maintain because of the fluctuations in different chemical levels. you pretty much have to do a water change every week and u can't have more than 2 small fish while limiting feeding. water temperatures change drastically with the mh lighting. its cool though because of its size. dont ever thing smaller is better... its just freaken harder

[AJP]

Ok I think I found the perfect tank. 75 gallon with stand canopy sump dual 175w metal halides, and a euro-reef skimmer. Includes the return pump and the overflow box pictured but I would drill the tank I think. $500 for everything minus rock and live stock. I am going to pick it up on Monday.

http://www.image-load.eu/out.php/i146395_tank.jpg

http://www.image-load.eu/out.php/i146396_sump.jpg

My plan is to set this bad boy up and move the rock I have over and if I can get some good base rock (any one got links?) fill it with that. Should do just fine till I can spend some more cash on it.

I plan to start a new thread when I get it all home and set-up, a link will be posted here for those that care.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Nice looking set up. I'd have to agree with you - drilling is the way to go. Good luck with the set up.

[hummermaniac88]

pretty cool 10 gallon...

[triton77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14101607#post14101607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kfennell
Thanks for scamming me on the DIY MH light. He wired it wrong when it came to me, didn't say anything like "I rewired it but DIDNT TEST IT" Maybe have a look. It wreced an electrical socket in my house and blew the bulb at least so im out $20 for a new one. When I asked him to make good he says "Why and how should I make this right" and says its my fault.

Thanks


Yikes!

[AJP]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1589116

New build log