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Old 10-12-2007, 02:25 AM   #1
mluna785
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Metal Halide DIY


I am wanting to put a 200W or a 250W metal halide on my 20 gallon nano and I am not exactly sure what to do. Does anyone out there have any instructions that I should know. Or know what I need to get to wire one up. I don't want to go out and buy a MH setup because I don't really feel like spending $500. Please help me out.
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Old 10-12-2007, 06:00 AM   #2
theplatypus
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You should really think seriously about going with a 150 watt mh at the most. Any retro fit kit you buy should have a wiring diagram.
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Old 10-12-2007, 06:03 AM   #3
Loverotties
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Every manufacture could be wired diff.You'll get a wireing diagram with it.
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Old 10-12-2007, 06:46 AM   #4
Reefyone
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I'll give you links to the tutorials for DIY 70W HQI MH, the same can be used for 150W MH, only reflector unit should be rated 500W to be suitable for 150W bulb by size, and ballast should be for 150W.
Or you may do search, using these terms, only changing wattage.
1, 2, 3.
I did that, it works even with different brand of reflector unit.

The bad part:
Not much info on where mount the ballast.

It's heavy, and I wouldn't like to have this additional weight resting on the top of tank, and I prefer an easy access for feeding and cleaning. As I understand it, when turn it on, the short very high voltage impulse starts - so the wiring between ballast and the bulb should be reasonably short.

When pedant is not an option (suspended ceilings), and the unit is not near the wall (to make a wooden support behind the tank), then there is a problem. Mine is free-standing unit near big window
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Old 10-12-2007, 07:40 AM   #5
silvers
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Ive got a 250 20k over my 22g. I have a duel pfo 175w ballist reflectors and sockets for w three bulbs from 4mo.old 2 blueline14k120.00 +shipping or a single ARO ballist,reflector ,socket and 5mo.old ushio bulb for 80.00+shipping .With the Iwaski(spelling)14k or ushio or xm10k get better par than the 250w 20k bulb that I have now. They may not be 250w but very affordable.
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