Using PC fixture for MH's

[Reeffantic]

I was wondering if anyone had done this and if it would work. I have a 4x96 watt compact light fixture and would like to take the two center bulbs out and put in 2x250 watt MH's. Would that work? What about heat build up? I could easily run it without the plexiglass sheild. :eek1:

[dattack]

Depends on your hood. If it's made out of cheap plastic, it's going to melt.

[Poseidon]

I would say not worth the effort, you need a new ballast and trying to shoe horn a MH bulb in such a small space may not be a good idea, also I'm 99% sure the plexi would melt and cooling the fixture may be difficult...

[Palmetto]

NO!

Do not put any MH in a plastic hood enclosure. There are ABS aluminum hoods that work just fine, and are designed to handle the temps.

Unless you have one of those rare aluminum PC hoods (I think there were a few initially), I would not consider it at all!

[fishpoo]

No plastic. Why not build a new one. i built mine with just wood glue. i called a local lumber yard with the size of each piece. They cut it all. i just made the side holes for fans, painted it and coat the inside with marine varnish. Keep mh atleast 8" above the water. 12" boards work perfectly.