Lighting System

[FishyFamily]

Hello!
My husband and I want to build a 24" dual light system to affix to the bottom of a shelf that will be attached to the wall above our 35gal hex saltwater tank. (We just started our tank about a month and a half ago.)

My question is... can we use ballasts from a place such as home depot or lowes or do we have to buy our ballasts from aquarium suppliers?

[ccCapt]

You can use any ballast as long as it's the same type ballast and bulb, ie flourescent, vho, pc or mh. You can't use a flourescent bulb ballast with a mh for example.

[theatrus]

I'd also strongly recommend electronic ballasts. Lamps keep their color longer, they don't buzz/flicker, and waste less energy.

[NewInTown]

I second the electronic ballasts. you could look at hellolights.com they carry retro fit kits and every thing you need.