I am starting a new thread because we are all about improving our systems and saving $$$ at the same time!
I have read through a couple of threads (and participated in some) surrounding the idea of low cost lighting upgrades, which I am in the middle of, so it is time to start a mini log.
I have acquired a dual 175 Watt MH ballast, brand new from EBay, cost $76.00.
I have purchased two 175 Watt MH bulbs E39 Mogul from Ebay, cost $25.00 total for both.
I still need to purchase lamp cord extensions, an extension power cord, mounting brackets, mogul sockets, and a reflector.
I have priced the entire project (except reflector), shipping and all to be: $180.00 a definite bargain when it comes to MH. I did my homework on the sellers, and as best as I could tell everyone was legit. I have never been an Ebay fan, but I am of course an SW aquarium fan, my 100 gallon is my pride and joy. So of course I want to see it improved and flourish. If through this research and DYI project and log we can learn and find reputable equipment dealers that are selling off brand products that do the same job for less $$$ then I believe we could be accomplishing something, and I would consider it a success.
I plan to have the project completed in the next two or three weeks. As I go along I will post to this log any of my findings.
Here are my specs:
Tank description:
100 gallon tank
2.6 wpg pc lighting * soon to go to 6.1!
35 gal wet/dry/sump
Protein Skimmer
UV Sterilizer (off)
Chiller
1 yellow tang
1 pac blue tang
4 reef chromis
1 TR perc clown
2 lyretail chromis
2 spotted cardinal fish
1 engineer goby
1 firefish
current cleanup crew: 25 turbos, 25 blue leg hermits
Inverts: star polyp, yellow colony polyp, leather coral, pulsing Xenia, 1 sand star
I have read through a couple of threads (and participated in some) surrounding the idea of low cost lighting upgrades, which I am in the middle of, so it is time to start a mini log.
I have acquired a dual 175 Watt MH ballast, brand new from EBay, cost $76.00.
I have purchased two 175 Watt MH bulbs E39 Mogul from Ebay, cost $25.00 total for both.
I still need to purchase lamp cord extensions, an extension power cord, mounting brackets, mogul sockets, and a reflector.
I have priced the entire project (except reflector), shipping and all to be: $180.00 a definite bargain when it comes to MH. I did my homework on the sellers, and as best as I could tell everyone was legit. I have never been an Ebay fan, but I am of course an SW aquarium fan, my 100 gallon is my pride and joy. So of course I want to see it improved and flourish. If through this research and DYI project and log we can learn and find reputable equipment dealers that are selling off brand products that do the same job for less $$$ then I believe we could be accomplishing something, and I would consider it a success.
I plan to have the project completed in the next two or three weeks. As I go along I will post to this log any of my findings.
Here are my specs:
Tank description:
100 gallon tank
2.6 wpg pc lighting * soon to go to 6.1!
35 gal wet/dry/sump
Protein Skimmer
UV Sterilizer (off)
Chiller
1 yellow tang
1 pac blue tang
4 reef chromis
1 TR perc clown
2 lyretail chromis
2 spotted cardinal fish
1 engineer goby
1 firefish
current cleanup crew: 25 turbos, 25 blue leg hermits
Inverts: star polyp, yellow colony polyp, leather coral, pulsing Xenia, 1 sand star