Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

[Mzungu]

I just have a quick question, and I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. I know there are a lot of DIY threads out there converting the halogen floodlights to metal halides, just by buying the DE halide lamp and a ballast. BUT, I see a lot of 70W halides and not a lot of 150Ws...And with the 70W halides they seem to be using a 300W halogen floodlight. I have seen a 500W halogen flood used as a reflector for the 150W DE metal halide...SO...my question:

Does it matter?

If I were to make a 150W metal halide lamp out of a halogen floodlight, does the actual rating on the floodlight matter? Do I NEED to use the 500W floodlight, or could I use a 300W? Is the length of socket different? Or is it all in the ballast that I need to buy?

:signhelp:

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

Go for the highest Halogen flood lamp you can find cause the housing/reflector can handle the high heat.

The endcaps/sockets need to be replaced as well as the bulb  and ballast.


The whole reason behind buying the flood lamp is to get the housing and UV glass.

[J-WS6]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

I've seen a link about this on another forum...does anyone have it handy? I've been wanting to know more about this set up as well. Thanks!

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

There's a good one on Nano-reef.com

[J-WS6]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

ok cool, thanks a lot!

[Mzungu]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

Here's a good one with links to 6 other threads.

http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=147420

A good one on APC:

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/do-yourself-aquarium-projects/34627-70-diy-70w-hqi-metal-halide.html

[J-WS6]

Re: Halogen Flood lights to DE Metal Halides

thanks mzungu!