CHEAP Metal Halide at LOWES

[peteh]

I have been reading threw these postings and would like to help those interested in DIY MH and PC lighting. I to was shocked at the prices some venders and LFS are asking for lighting. I worked for Sylvania lighting services about 15 years ago and had an idea of the cost of the basic parts, ballast and sockets. To order from electrical supply houses you should have a part number don’t make them do work homework they in most part have know clue as to what you are trying to do. Most places will sell to the public just tell them what you want i.e. part numbers (and credit card number) they will order it for you and in most cases they wont have it on the shelf but will have it drop ship right to your door. Hit the manufacture of the ballast web site and find the one you need match the bulb watts to the output of the ballast. Fulham for example for PC lighting you enter the number of tubes and the watts of each tubes and it will tell you what ballast you need and how to wire it. I did this for my lighting project. I called 2 local suppliers of that brand ballast that I was wanting the first was not going to help me I was tolled that they didn’t carry the ballast that I was looking for and I would have to buy case. The second vender didn’t even know that they carried that brand of ballast(after I informed him that they were listed as a supplier) and took all of my info and got back to me. He not only wanted to sell me the ballast but everything that he could supply sockets and to my surprise he could get the tubes in our white range. He would try to get the ones in the blue range (Remember these guys will also be buying from the same manufactures i.e. Sylvania and they might get a better price than xyz fish store supplier). In this instance this was PC lighting. I ordered a ballast from him and I received it in 3 days I paid $21.50 for a electronic ballast for 1 96watt PC it has a 5 year warranty. I also asked about MH ballast I gave him part number and he gave me prices. I did more research on the net and couldn’t beat some of the deals on the net at aquarium suppliers I paid $207.00 for a 175watt ballast, 175watt German 10K Bulb, Socket and reflector. I was quoted $97.00 for an Advance 175watt MH ballast then you add $70.00 for a bulb I was at what I was going to pay for a setup online. Just do the research I have a 50 g tank with 1 175watt 10k German MH and 1 96watt 7100K Blue Actinic and paid less than $275.00

Advance Lighting www.advancetransformer.com (800) 322-2086

Magnetek www.magnetek.com (800) MAGNETEK

Osram-Sylvania www.sylvania.com (978) 777-1900

Fulham www.fulham.com (310) 277-9484

Tri-tek Lighting, Inc. (888) 999-0401

Hatch www.hatchtrans.com (813) 288-8006

 

[jandree22]

I just ordered a 400W ballast from 1000 bulbs today. They have them listed on their site for $41.93. I talked to the owner today and he said he sells alot of ballasts to reefers. For the price I figured it was worth a try. If I like them I will order some more. Thier site says they come with a 5 year warranty. http://www.1000bulbs.com/

well what's the story, did they work out for you?

 

[shr00m]

of course it worked, this is how intelligent non lazy people (im joking) setup there aquarium lights at a fraction of the price.

 

[0db]

of course it worked, this is how intelligent non lazy people (im joking) setup there aquarium lights at a fraction of the price.

Good job!

I bought my 400W ballast off ebay at like $25 a few years ago, have been very pleased. Granted, I probably spent a solid $5-10 on wire and connectors... but still a pretty good deal!

 

[pcragg]

The hydroponic gardening industry uses MH in different color temps. Just do a search on "hydroponic supply".

Warning. Buying from hydroponic supply outfits, could mean a visit from the DEA!

 

[Anonymous]

The hydroponic gardening industry uses MH in different color temps. Just do a search on "hydroponic supply".

Warning. Buying from hydroponic supply outfits, could mean a visit from the DEA!

:lol:

 

[K9coral]

:-0

 

[cdeakle]

riiiiiiiiiiiight :wink: :lol:

 

[jandree22]

Hey guys, LOOK! :arrow:

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, You can order anything you want from an electrical supplier. Just be nice and have the manufacturer's part number. The guys at the counter are much nicer if they don't have to do the leg work.

The hydroponic gardening industry uses MH in different color temps. Just do a search on "hydroponic supply".

Warning. Buying from hydroponic supply outfits, could mean a visit from the DEA!

Happened to my boss when he was in college. He had 2 125's with VHO. one night someone looked up and saw all the blue lights coming from his living room window. Cops knocked on the door soon after that. . .

B