125 reef build - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

cccapt · 01-24-2008, 06:14 PM

Thanks all. It's coming along. Just a few updates.

Stand is stained and ready for polyurethane. I originally was going to use Golden Oak, but I tested a few pieces before I started and didn't really like it, so I went with Colonial Maple. I think it turned out pretty nice.

I also got a package delivered today.

I got a free gift with the reflectors too.

For those who may want to try a DIY MH system, here what the ballast looks like. This is an "f-can" ballast. 2 wires go to the bulb and 2 wires to the plug. Really simple.

**Ziggy953** · 01-24-2008, 11:36 PM

Awesome! The stand is looking great and I love the way you made the doors!

fijiwigi · 01-25-2008, 12:10 AM

Just curious what was the cost on the DIY metal halide? I was looking into upgrading the lighting on my 36" tank and didn't really want to spend the 600 dollars for the marketed fixture.

Bearfan · 01-25-2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy953

Very nice! I wish I had documented the progress when I built my stand. There is a kid down the road from me, he and his dad are asking me to build them a stand like mine so if I do that I will document things every step of the way.

I would suggest sealing the inside of the stand even though you aren't going to have any equipment in it. It's just a good idea to do and doesn't take very long.

I second that, you just never know what the future may hold for the stand, and it's really easy to do now.

cccapt · 01-25-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Just curious what was the cost on the DIY metal halide?

Reflectors/mogul base - $30 each
ballast (f-can) - about $100 new from electrical supply store or about $30 on Ebay. Core & coil ballasts are quite a bit cheaper (maybe $30 new from electrical supply).
bulbs - anywhere from $10 each on Ebay up to about $70 each for brand names.

blazeyreef · 01-25-2008, 09:14 AM

looks awesome, I cant wait to see the finished product!

cmor1701d · 01-25-2008, 11:02 AM

The maple looks great. Tell us you made that bench too!

**Ziggy953** · 01-25-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cccapt

Reflectors/mogul base - $30 each
ballast (f-can) - about $100 new from electrical supply store or about $30 on Ebay. Core & coil ballasts are quite a bit cheaper (maybe $30 new from electrical supply).
bulbs - anywhere from $10 each on Ebay up to about $70 each for brand names.

Check out ebay for sure! I got all new equipment when I upgraded to MH. I got most of it on ebay and the rest of it on Hellolights.com. I use PFO ballast for my MH and ARO for my VHOs my T5s are TEK. $600 whew, no way. I could light a 400g tank for $600.

austinsdad · 01-25-2008, 11:56 AM

Yeah, pls do the inside with the polyurethane since it IS very easy to do now. Never know...

Darn, that thing is looking good! Love those doors.

cccapt · 01-26-2008, 01:02 PM

Stand is polyed, inside and out. Only thing left is drop in the bottom, but that won't be done till all the plumbing is in place.

Next is on to the canopy. I'm still not 100% sure how I'm going to build this. I want to have the front hinged to open up, but it might be tuff. I bought a sheet of 3/4" cabinet grade ply and hope I can work out something with that.

01-24-2008, 06:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
cccapt SW 10 & Over Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northeast PA Posts: 1,036 Images: 2	Thanks all. It's coming along. Just a few updates. Stand is stained and ready for polyurethane. I originally was going to use Golden Oak, but I tested a few pieces before I started and didn't really like it, so I went with Colonial Maple. I think it turned out pretty nice. I also got a package delivered today. I got a free gift with the reflectors too. For those who may want to try a DIY MH system, here what the ballast looks like. This is an "f-can" ballast. 2 wires go to the bulb and 2 wires to the plug. Really simple. __________________ 125g reef See My Tank Info Check out The build project

01-24-2008, 11:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 2,499 Images: 5	Awesome! The stand is looking great and I love the way you made the doors! __________________ Happy Reefing! *210 upgrade on the way* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here!

01-25-2008, 12:10 AM	#13 (permalink)
fijiwigi Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Yakima, Washington Posts: 823 Images: 7	Just curious what was the cost on the DIY metal halide? I was looking into upgrading the lighting on my 36" tank and didn't really want to spend the 600 dollars for the marketed fixture. __________________ {I am excited to create my personal mini-ocean with the much needed help From AquariumAdvice.com} S.D.M.F -FijiWigi-

01-25-2008, 09:14 AM	#16 (permalink)
blazeyreef Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 1,389 Images: 1	looks awesome, I cant wait to see the finished product! __________________ Houston "Face Trials with Smiles"-Porter Ellett *My aquariums-20gall planted,* *29gall planted* *"We are nothing until we make ourselves somthing"*

01-25-2008, 11:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
cmor1701d Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 2,784 Images: 43	The maple looks great. Tell us you made that bench too! __________________ Click here to Vote for Aquarium Advice on AquaRank . Vote EVERY day! Click Here for a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations. ____ Cmor

01-25-2008, 11:56 AM	#19 (permalink)
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 3,865 Images: 12	Yeah, pls do the inside with the polyurethane since it IS very easy to do now. Never know... Darn, that thing is looking good! Love those doors. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

01-26-2008, 01:02 PM	#20 (permalink)
cccapt SW 10 & Over Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Northeast PA Posts: 1,036 Images: 2	Stand is polyed, inside and out. Only thing left is drop in the bottom, but that won't be done till all the plumbing is in place. Next is on to the canopy. I'm still not 100% sure how I'm going to build this. I want to have the front hinged to open up, but it might be tuff. I bought a sheet of 3/4" cabinet grade ply and hope I can work out something with that. __________________ 125g reef See My Tank Info Check out The build project

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