DIY Metal Halide

[Phildo]

I'm attemping to go the DIY route for a 175 watt metal halide light system-2 lights. I can tell that if I do it myself I can save hundreds of dollars compared to what these fish supply resellers mark this stuff up.
Does anyone here have any experience with this? I can use some pointers.

Thanks

[OrionGirl]

You'll still want to buy the ballast from a store. Most of the MH ballasts and lights that I've seen in other stores are not appropriate for use in a tank--they don't meet the output requirements, wrong light spectrum, or are not water tight. ChampionLighting.com has some nice kits, as well as pendant style lights that can be built into a canopy.

[Phildo]

Thanks again OG!

[Kurt]

there is a 175 watt Halide retrofit kit still availlable on things for sale.

[Phildo]

I picked up two 250w DIY Metal Halide kits with spider reflectors from Marinedepot.com for a pretty good price.
This seems like a good start to upgrading the lighting in my 225, later on I'll either add one more MH or a couple of VHO tubes.