Thanks Iceturf and Mark for the advice. I also found some useful information at
www.thekrib.com. The wiring was actually very simple as I was able to keep the existing biocube wiring minus the endcaps. I'm attaching a few pictures of my project and the solder-and-silicone "endcaps" in case anyone is contemplating doing something similar.
It works nicely at a very low cost--I'm not sure how low as I had the biocube ballast and guts and most of the wood on hand already. I have a few years' supply of square-pin 6700K bulbs on hand as well (Champion lighting clearance at $3 each = $9 after shipping and exorbitant UPS broker fees).
I can't recommend doing this to anyone who isn't comfortable working with electricity. I'll be building another one, freeing up the "good" lights for my first (nano) reef tank in the not-so-distant future.
Regards,
Nevin