Halide Lighting

[dave_gray2077]

I'm trying to get a split unit so the ballast can be kept away from the tank. Mainly for heat. And to keep the equipment all within the hood or hidden. Like andywg said I don’t want my whole front room bathed in light by having hanging lights.

It looks like getting HID ballasts is harder than expected. I went into a local independent hardware store and he looked at me like I was mad when I asked for HID ballasts. And B&Q were just the same. They didn’t even know which type the ones on display were.

So does anyone have any websites that they would recommend?

 

[andywg]

Ebay. I paid £70 for two entire 150W units. I had to mod them a little to remotely locate the ballast, but two or so years on everything is going fine.

If you don't mind spending closer to "aquarium" unit prices you can always get electronic ballasts that consume less power and create less heat.

 

[dave_gray2077]

Ill give e bay a check.

Heat ain't a problem as i was going to split the ballest anyway. Besides there wont be much room in the hood for the baldest anyway.

BTW what actual light fittings would you recommend. What are the befits of single bulb fittings and dual end fittings?

 

[andywg]

I can't remember the differences. I have found double ended suits me fine, but I expect single ended would do adequately.

With the electronic ballasts they will still be remotely placed, but will pull around 160W instead of 190-200W for a 150W bulb.

 

[dave_gray2077]

Thanks for all the help

I think iv got the right info to get what I need now.

 

[dave_gray2077]

Got another question.

Will lighting systems designed for none aquatic plants be beneficial?

A Local garden centre sells high pressure sodium lights for hydroponics and for growing light intensive tropical plants indoors etc

The package says

External heavy duty ballast
Light weight aluminium textured reflector
150w GIB Lighting Flower Spectrum high pressure sodium bulb.
5m of wiring for maximum manoverability
3 pin plug (UK)

its only £50 so seems OK.

 

[joecoral]

Got another question.

Will lighting systems designed for none aquatic plants be beneficial?

A Local garden centre sells high pressure sodium lights for hydroponics and for growing light intensive tropical plants indoors etc

The package says

External heavy duty ballast
Light weight aluminium textured reflector
150w GIB Lighting Flower Spectrum high pressure sodium bulb.
5m of wiring for maximum manoverability
3 pin plug (UK)

its only £50 so seems OK.

I know people who use these to grow chaeto and caulerpa in the sumps of their marine tank and the growth is phenomenal, I dont see why they couldnt be used in a freshwater tank...

 

[SkiFletch]

They're perfect for use in a freshwater planted system

 

[dave_gray2077]

Cool