View Full Version : Diy Mh
spencermoose
07/20/2009, 08:30 AM
So I have seen quite a few posts on DIY metal halides and here is a question that I have about the reflector if anyone can help out.
The reflectors that I have seen made have all been fabricated out of the solar tubes (great idea). But can the reflector be just a polished aluminum recessed lighting fixture and have the mogul socket on the top with the bulb going down the length of the fixture? One such as the following that you can purchase at lowes?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=157380-22685-1162AT-22&lpage=none
I know that heat from the lamp would probably be the biggest concern in a compact area, but if you put a couple of fans moving air around the canister, would that help?
troylee
07/20/2009, 09:31 AM
ya you can use those but when purchasing a bulb for it you must make sure it can be mounted vertical.....bulbs that mount vertical for a application like that have different coponets in them so they fire rite......"not just any mh bulb will light in those"...."long story short"..lol....also i think you will have a more condesended beam than a nice even spread.....hth....;)
atwinparadox2
07/20/2009, 10:05 AM
You'll probably end up with more of a spotlight look
insane
07/20/2009, 10:06 AM
Many mogul based MH are not capable of operating in that perpendicular position. Many websites that sell the bulbs will tell you what position it is made to run in. Even the onnes that are designed to be ran horizontal state that the little bump in the middle of the interior vacuum bulb must be positioned up. Make sure the bulb type matches the ballast type.
uncleof6
07/20/2009, 10:55 AM
Not to mention the fact that the lowes reflector is rated for 50 watt max...........................................it'll probably melt down. Bulb orientation, bulb start type, ballast type, reflector material,.......... buy a retro, at least that way all the components will match. You can DIY it into the hood. The aquarium industry has messed up the info on this lighting system.
Jim
insane
07/20/2009, 01:23 PM
If you are looking for least expensive designed specifically for reef application you can go with this.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~CP5751~idCategory~FILTACRAMH~category~Metal_Halide-Reflectors-Accessories-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html
Or a step up to this.
http://www.aquacave.com/standard-metal-halide-br-parabolic-reflector-set-br-w-mogul-base-380.html
Then after that you start at about $100.00 for the really good reflectors.
IMHO, of the two cheaper ones the Spiderlight reflectors are best for light direction into the tank and you can also bend them to fit the height of your space if needed
jvbeattie
07/20/2009, 03:44 PM
hellolights.com have affordable retro kits as well.
BeanAnimal
07/20/2009, 04:35 PM
The problem with cheap or poorly designed reflectors is efficiency. A well engineered reflector will put significantly more light into the tank. That means more bang for the buck with regard to energy usage. In real world terms a well designed 150W reflector can easily outperform a DIY or cheap 250W reflector. With the cost of energy on the rise, efficient lighting systems are a wise choice, even when setup budgets are tight.
Misled
07/20/2009, 08:31 PM
Gotta agree with The Bean on this. Look at these.
http://www.reefspecialty.com/Lighting-Reflectors-%7C-Pendants/c14_28/p57/CoralVue-Lumen-Bright-Reflectors/product_info.html
insane
07/20/2009, 09:39 PM
I would love to have a trio of the octagonal or the square lumen reflectors but....
A lot of users on here can't afford to go with the biggest and best of everything when jumping off into the hobby as much as they would like to. Many people have to save money in one area in order to get something that is absolutely required in another area. If I had to choose between buying the best lighting reflectors & skimping on a skimmer OR buying the best skimmer I could afford & skimping on reflectors, I'd go for the best skimmer with the less than most optimal lighting reflectors. Many people on here would probably agree with that.
Some of you guys & gals on here have some of the most ultimate dream setups that makes everyone drool. We can't all afford to do those.
My very first MH fixture was a warehouse light. Those great big bell shaped pendants with the ballast on top that hangs from a hook. It was very cheap and I found the correct 400w 10k bulb to match the ballast and burn position. It was hideous :eek1: , hidden inside a very tall canopy, but it worked for me until I went up a notch with an upgrade.
But then again,
I am insane!
spencermoose
07/20/2009, 09:52 PM
Thanks for all the great responses! I kinda figured when I asked the question that it would not be very practical, but what does it hurt? I figured that someone had already looked into it and would know and I was correct. Thanks for the info!
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