Need DE socket

[adamRS80]

I've looked at hellolights and marine depot for a socket for double ended 250watt MH. Is this something I can get at Home Depot? Does anybody know if you can use a spider type reflector with DE bulbs? I'm trying to convert my current light with a mogul socket to a DE. Thanks.

Adam

[Andrew]

Adam,

DE bulbs release large amounts of UV rays, which will damage coral (and possibly the user, unless burned above tempered glass). Because of this, most people who use DE bulbs run them in pendants.

HTH

Andrew

[adamRS80]

I have a glass lid on my tank, and was also planning on getting a piece to put under the bulb as well. I have a friend who works for a window manufacturer, so getting high performance UV blocking glass won't be a problem. Anybody know where I can get a DE socket?

[Andrew]

I've wondered for a while if it's possible to use a DE halogen pendant fixture from home depot (wired to a HQI or electronic MH ballast)? Those fixtures run $7-15, but I don't know if a DE MH bulb would fit and run in the socket; anybody who knows about this please enlighten me.

Andrew

[Tim Marvin]

The DE aquarium bulbs use a different socket than any of the ones I have seen at HomeDepot... Unfortunately lighting and flow are too important to play around with, if you want success.

[Andrew]

I was thinking of replacing the socket with DE halide one, it would make an inexpensive pendant. Some of them have good reflectors already.

andrew

[RobertG]

I was thinking of replacing the socket with DE halide one, it would make an inexpensive pendant. Some of them have good reflectors already.

andrew

If you are going for inexpensive You might want a different hobby. LOL Seriously get you a fixture, the money you spend now is nothing to what you might spend total after the things you find you dont like. Step up to the plate, it is worth doing so.

[adamRS80]

I've made numerous fixtures that have worked very well, so building one that works isn't the problem, and I always come out ahead compared to the ridiculous prices companies charge for a metal, wood, or acrylic box with a parabolic reflector and some fans. For me they are too simple not to try building myself. The cheapest pendant I've found is the PFO one which has no fans and is around $100. Lets see get some acrylic cut to size at most $15, acrylic cement $6.00, reflector w/socket $30 @hellolights, cord $3.95, couple of toggle switches w/ rubber covers for moisture issues $7.00 from home depot, A computer fan from altex $10, power supply for fan $8.00. Total price $80 and you can use the Acrylic cement on a DIY sump, refugium etc. so total cost is closer to $75 and the fixture has a fan and you get the feeling of building something yourself. Welcome to the DIY forum, step up to the plate, it is worth doing so.

[Andrew]

I would probably buy one new in this case (the 250 watt DE ocean light fixtures run about $260), I was just making suggestions. But, I agree with Adam on one thing: I see nothing wrong with doing it yourself, and especially discussing such topics in this forum, which is the DIY one. Not necessarily true on this topic, but those who do a lot of DIY projects and experiment/tinker, etc. are often the ones who come up with new and improved products. I've done a few things DIY, and it's often more satisfying, sense of accomplishment, etc.

just my 2 cents.

Andrew

[MikeDeL]

http://www.hellolights.com/15hqilamhol.html