[BubbleTip]

Ok here goes, I got 2 metal halide bulbs coming in the mail from e-bay, 1 is a 250watt and the other is 400watts, Now I dont even have a metal halide lamp or system to even run these bulbs, BUT I seen people with just a ballast and alum for reflectors and plexiglass as splash guards,Now there is no way I can afford a ballast for saltwater use from a store or the internet, They want WWAAAYY TO MUCH, But I got a 200watt ballast and 175watt ballast from a friend of mine, Could I hook them up together to run the 250watt bulbs?? Also the metal halides you get from Lowes or Home Depot are they good for saltwater use??:confused:

[RyanG]

I doubt you can do this, you need either a plan 250w ballast or a 400w ballast. Combing the too isn't possible.

And the bulbs at lowes and home depot are only in the 6500k rating, which isn't high enough to support a reef tank.

[soonerfn]

your best bet is to get a retro kit

[crazygator]

i am a union electrician, and have basically un limited access to metal halide ballasts. i have built my own lighting system. you will need to get a ballast that matches you wattage and a proper capacitor( usually included). make sure your socket sizes are the same. all of this you can get from your electrical supply house, or if you know an electrician get one from him. to buy it will cost about $50 to $60. if you build your own enclosure make sure you insulate it, and i would stay away from plexi glass because of heat. and make sure your box is ventilated. my total cost for two 175 watt m.h. with two 96w t-5 nites was $100 as opposed to $400 to $500.