108 W CFL Light Fixture

[Hardy85]

Ok, I saw this on another forum and gonna give it a try. I have been debating buying a 108w or 162w light fixture but the prices range $70-250 and replacing the bulbs are $20 each and you need to hope the ballast last

So I am going to use my All Glass aquarium 24" light fixtures as a shell. Pictures to come on Monday, but I just bought everything I need for a 8 bulb cfl set up (will be 108w mixed between 5000k bulbs and 6500k bulbs) for $48

[AllenIsbell]

I love DIY! Subscribed for the build!

[Hardy85]

All materials cost about $48

- 4 ea 2 lamp sockets ($4.29 ea)
- 4 5000k 14w bulbs (4 pack $6)
- 4 6500k 13w bulbs (3 pack $7)
- krylon fusion gloss white ($5)
- zip strips with screw hole ($2)
- replacement screws, wire nuts, painters tap ($5)- not needed but better to have just incase

Pull out the guts of the lamp.

Paint inside white, I also resprayed the outside of mine black while I had it out

Two sockets per cover, with the all glass you can use the original screw holes with the zip strips.

I used a stone for each to provide spacing so bulbs don't touch plastic

I will be posting pics on Monday. So far so good. May consider adding computer fans if heat becomes a problem

[Lady Hobbs]

Hope it works well for you. Tank lights are expensive and like you say, the expense only starts when it comes to replacing the bulbs.
The last bulb I bought lasted one month. Company replaced it but the second one they sent me only lasted that long, too. I like their little trick, too, that when one bulb goes out, neither bulb can be used.

[Hardy85]

Colors in the tank look amazing.

[gurglegurgle]

subscribed. Have been thinking of doing this mod myself but was worried about melting my light fixture without having metal reflectors.