is there a MH bulb that fits a regular light socket? help!

lilleahseafreak

lilleahseafreak

New member
i have a 20 gallon with PCs and i REALLY want MH lighting to get my corals to color up and give that shimmer effect the water but the cost of MH units is obsurd! i am DIY person who can make a reflector and such, i just need a bulb! is there MH bulbs that work in light sockets? i mean corallife makes PCs that go in light sockets and i have them in use on some tiny tanks. i just need to find ways to get around the d@mn cost!!!! i have a ceramic base clip on light from my iguanna i can use and i can buy some metal and polish it.

HELP?!!!
 
You can get a MH bulb in medium base, IIRC they come in 175 watt and maybe 250 watt. The socket will have to be a high voltage and high temp type. Why not go with a nice retro like these: http://www.acropora.net/coralvue_lighting.htm

The pricing on those is really good and you won't have to do anything "special" to make it work.
 
I think they want a medium (regular) base type MH. They do make them but very limited selection.
 
the ceramic base lamp is ment for high watt heat/uv lights for reptiles as well as heating bulbs for baby birds, it is ment to handle high watts and HIGH heat. the base is like a normal light socket so if i can find a MH bulb with a normal base then i am all set, the hood is already very reflective too, i bought it 4 years ago for like $25.
 
now why do i need a ballast? it seems odd to me, i mean the MH bulb looks like a normal bulb. i need ta know why i would need to spend that much money on a box! can i just buy that bulb and put it in the ceramic base lamp? what would happen if i did? and even if i do get the ballast can i just plug the lamp into it and plug it in a wall or do have to do a bunch of wiring.
 
If you plug a MH directly to 120 it will explode. The ballast keeps a constant, regulated amount of voltage going to the lamp to keep it from self destructing. The wiring is only messy if you do it messy, also the wiring is pretty easy. It should come with a diagram for hooking everything up.
 
For $33 that's a pretty good deal if everything works. Remember that MH lamps are pricey to replace but your tank inhabitants will love it.
 
I think you need to visit your LFS and get a primer on the different types of lighting and how they work. You also need to do some google searching on how HID lamps work. Metal Halide, Mercury Vapor etc.

From what I gether reading your posts, you may want to stay away from this kind of project until you learn A LOT more about HID lamps, Fluorescent lamps, ballasts, and electricity. I am not being a smartass, but you are worse than clueless with regards to this subject (don't worry we are all "worse than clueless" with regards to many things).

The problem here is that there is great potential for serious inury or harm due to electrocution or fire. Your posts show tht you do not understand the theory of operation and therefore don't understand the risks involved or the steps needed to ensure your safety. This thread is a start to your learning, but you really need to get some hands on (thus the recomendation to visit the LFS). I am sure with a bit of research you will have new questions and new answers. In a short time, you should have enough information to undertake this project safely.

You may want to give the guys at hellolights or reefgeek (to name a few) a call and they will be able to shed a lot of light on your questions and offer ideas on the parts you will need to make this work safely.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6496426#post6496426 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lilleahseafreak
does this deal on ebay look good? i'll bid if so (and then HOPE the price stays low!)

http://cgi.ebay.com/175-Watt-Metal-...737766324QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...

No it looks like junk. It probably would work for a little while but my guess is not long. I looked at it but bought

venture brand from another ebay seller picked up wiring and mogel sockets from local electrical supply company and wired my own

However if you search ebay you can find a complete retro already wired just mount it in your hood and plug it in for around 90.00 to 100.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/400-450watt-MET...737710526QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This isn't the one I bought. I bought just the ballast and built my own. Called the guy and got it without the bulb as the bulb was not the k value that I wanted.

I got 2 for 100.00 shipped

If you are interested pm me and I will look up his contact info for you. I have it but it isn't handy at the moment.
 
shoot, well i already bid on the ebay item. if i get it i will take it to my favorite LFS and have them tell me if it needs anything and how to set it up, i trust this one store as they have never set me astray and sell me the better thing (even if they in turn loose profit) i will get advise first as the unit looks kinda iffy, there are 2 in the bid so i feel like i have a good chance at winning one.
 
I guess I assumed to much on your end and did not pay very close attention to your posts, please do get some advice from an expert on how HID lighting works plus the dangers of incorrect setup. With a little patience, research and work you'll have a setup that will fit the bill.
 
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